Travertine

What is written on the plate:

Travertine

Travertines are limestones precipitated from fresh water. Prerequisites are carbonate-rich spring waters and a process that removes carbon dioxide from the water. This happens during heating, pressure relief or through photosynthesis of water plants and algae. Calcite covers all surfaces with fine crystals. That is why reeds, branches, moss and leaves remain as hollow forms after the decomposition of the organic substance.
substance are preserved as hollow forms.

Travertine, Holocene, Quaternary, Bad Langensalza (Thuringian Basin), 8,000 years ago

Travertine

Location: Bad Langensalza, Thuringian Basin

Age: ca. 8000 years

Bad Langensalza

Image: Google Maps

Travertine is a rock of light to yellowish color, which was chemically precipitated from cold, warm or hot freshwater springs as spring lime. The name "travertine" comes from the Italian "travertino", which in turn comes from the Latin expression "lapis tiburtinus", which means "stone from Tivoli". Travertine consists mainly of calcium carbonate and has a more or less porous structure. It is a freshwater limestone that occurs both in nature and as a commercial name for dense limestone.

Travertine is often confused with marble, as both rocks are limestones. However, they differ in structure and texture. Travertine is characterized by its porous structure, which is characterized by large pores and holes. In contrast, marble is more homogeneous and less porous. Travertine is a soft stone, yet it is pressure resistant and strong enough to last for many centuries, especially if it is properly installed, treated and maintained.

Because of its porosity, travertine is light and easy to handle. The open-pored structure makes the stone slip-resistant, making it ideal for damp areas and outdoor use. However, due to its characteristic perforated structure, travertine can more easily accumulate dirt particles and dust if it is not mudded in. Therefore, it is advisable to slurry travertine indoors to close the pores and achieve better resistance to dirt. Outdoors, travertine can be used as an antique natural stone tile or patio slab.

Travertine is sensitive to acids and alkalis, which can cause visible stains on the surface. Therefore, it is unsuitable as a countertop in the kitchen. Nevertheless, travertine is used in various areas. It is well suited for installation in bathrooms, kitchens and living areas. On terraces or in pool areas, travertine can also be used.

In Germany, the lime tuff Gauinger travertine is known as travertine. This travertine is firm and polishable and is used in the natural stone processing industry. Travertine is also used for various cave deposits of calcium carbonate.

Travertine is formed by the precipitation of calcium carbonate from CO2 supersaturated spring groundwater. This process is called chemical decalcification. Travertine is formed by sedimentation and deposition of mineral components dissolved in the spring waters. The mineral components, as well as the conditions of formation, influence the characteristic drawings and patterns that appear in the form of travertine.

Location of the rock travertine near the village Bad Langensalza

Image: Thomas Voigt