Travertine is a sedimentary rock composed of calcium carbonate layers. This type of rock is often formed at low heights, such as around drains, springs, along streams and rivers, along faults, and sometimes in lakes. For this reason, these stones are layered, and each layer’s color is different from other layers. This is the reason why travertine stones have beautiful patterns in their texture compared to other types.
The porous texture and various colors and strip shape of travertine have created a special color variety that is caused by the difference in the compounds that have formed in the stone elements during the deposition and show themselves in the form of different streaks. However, since these streaks have a different chemical composition from the background of the stone, they have less strength and form the sensitive point of a stone that shows the least resistance against impact or pressure. Therefore, the more streaks and impurities the stone has, despite its beauty, the less strength it has.
Features and characteristics of travertine stone
The specific weight of travertine stone is 2500 kg/m3. This stone has pores and is softer than marbles in terms of hardness. Travertine stone is resistant to weather changes, rain and snow, and it is diverse in terms of color. Most travertine has a light color, which is often white, cream, and gray; or brown, yellow, and red due to the presence of iron and magnesium oxides, and blue, gray, and black in the presence of carbon. Among the influencing factors on the formation of color and design of travertine stones are the compounds in it such as iron, calcium and other impurities. The less elements soluble in the water of these sources, the brighter the color of the stone.
Travertine sediments are strip-shaped and dense and have a porous texture, also their porosity size and shape are diverse: from a few millimeters to several centimeters, and sometimes up to more than 10 centimeters in different samples of travertine. Some travertine holes are filled with calcium carbonate secondary deposits such as aragonite and calcite minerals. Post-deposition events, such as dissolution and fractures, can increase porosity and permeability by two times or even more.
Despite the holes, travertine has thermal and sound insulation properties. This stone can be cut into 2 wavy and non-wave shapes. Travertine holes and cavities are filled during surface processing. Holes in travertine allows the cement mortar to penetrate into these holes during stone assembling and prevent the stone from falling. The weak point of travertine stones is that it is loose and muddy, for example, if the stone is wet and reaches the temperature of instant freezing, the stone will be crushed. To prevent this from happening in many factories, they cover the coupes.
Applications of travertine stone
Travertine stones can be used in the interior and exterior view of the building and other purposes. Travertine stones are not smooth stones due to their texture and material, and they are highly safe, so they are a suitable option for buildings’ floors. Travertine stones are a very good option for outdoor swimming pools because their surface stays cool. They are also used in open spaces such as sidewalks, stairs, etc. In addition, these stones can be used in building exterior view, its interior walls, stairways, bathrooms and toilets, kitchen counters and other spaces.
Types of travertine stone colors
This type of stone is an example of products that have a high variety of colors. Among these colors, we can mention beige, brown, khaki, white and even silver gray. This variety of colors has made this product widely used in interior design.
This color variation is so much that it can be said that no two stones used in two different places have the same appearance. Even if the stones are the same model. Therefore, before buying and assembling, it is better to place a sample of the desired model in the place where you intend to use it to make sure of its view. The most popular color of travertine stone is white travertine.
It is better to clean the surfaces that are made of this stone in its design on a weekly basis. However, it depends on the level of contamination of the stone surface. To preserve this stone as well as possible, it is better to apply sealer every 3 to 5 years.
To clean travertine, before doing anything, the desired surface must be swept and cleaned of any dust. If dust remains on this material, it will cause the sealer to disappear and the color of the stone will change over time.
The best way to clean this stone is using lukewarm water and a mop or sponge. Of course, pouring water on the stone all at once should be avoided, because it can pass through the surface sealer and penetrate into the inner layers of the stone, causing discoloration and even mold on the surface of the stone.
To disinfect travertine surfaces, you can use a tablespoon of mild non-acidic dishwashing liquid in 3 liters of water and clean the surface of the stone with a soft cloth. And in the second step, the surface should be cleaned with pure water and completely dried using a soft towel.
Cleaning the seam between the travertine stones is done with a mixture of baking soda and water and using a brush. This should be done with low pressure so as not to damage the stone slurry.
|
Advantages of travertine stone |
|
|
Disadvantages of travertine stone |
|
Travertine mines in Iran
In Iran, there are various mines for extracting this stone, among the most famous of which, Hajiabad travertine, Abbas Abad travertine, and Atash Kouh travertine can be mentioned. Stalactite and stalagmite are two examples of travertine, whose texture is very beautiful and porous. Travertine production per capita in our country has increased in recent years due to increased demand. In the years before 1381, this type of stone was known as a cheap stone. In the years before 2002, this type of stone was known as a cheap stone and was not noticed in the domestic market. With the introduction of resin in the market and the replacement of resin, instead of using gesso and cement to fill the surface porosity, the use of travertine stone was welcomed. Its unique beauty along with reasonable price has increased sales in the market.
Distribution map of travertine mines in Iran
There are 4 types of travertine stones available in Stoneman, which are shown below.
Types of Travertine Stoneman