Travertine Projects

Travertine is formed when carbon dioxide-rich water percolates through rocks in limestone areas, the water dissolves the limestone and becomes saturated with it. When the environment the water runs through changes significantly (e.g. drop in pressure and/or change in temperature) this causes the water to release the carbon dioxide as gas, much like fizzy drinks. The calcium carbonate then recrystallizes; small debris, scrub and living biotic material such as moss, algae, and cyanobacteria are encrusted. The biotic material may survive and continue growing on top. These deposits are usually found at the bottom of mud springs. The rock typically remains quite porous, with numerous cavities. When pure and fine, travertine is white, but often is brown to yellow due to impurities (other than carbonate minerals). Extensive deposits are found in Tivoli, Italy near Rome. Mammoth Hot Springs at Yellowstone National Park is a large hill of Travertine. Even though there are two or three small producers in the U.S., travertine is primarily imported.