Stone Dimensions - Fall/Winter 2007 - (Page 28)

Travertine Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series of special reports on the most common natural stone products. Each issue of StoneDimensions will feature a different stone. This report focuses on travertine. We hear a lot these days about marble and granite, but you probably didn’t know that travertine is one of the most frequently used stones in modern architecture. It’s primary uses are in wall cladding, façade materials, flooring and other applications, like fireplaces and range hoods. It’s neutral and sometimes exotic coloring makes it a great partner with other stones like marble, granite and limestone. Travertine derives its name from Tivoli, Italy where extensive deposits of the stone are found. Tivoli was known as Tibur in ancient Roman times. The ancient name for the stone was lapis tibertinus, meaning tiber stone, which has evolved into travertine. Other major deposits of travertine can be found in Mexico, Turkey, China and Afghanistan. In the United States, there are only two active travertine deposits, including four quarries operated by New Mexico Travertine, 20 miles west of Belen, south of Albuquerque. The other American quarry is in Idaho. Travertine is characterized by pitted holes and troughs in its surface, which occur naturally. At first look they suggested that the stone has had some wear and tear. Some installers fill the holes and troughs with grout, others leave them in a natural state. Actually, travertine is sedimentary rock, a natural chemical precipitate of carbonate materials, typically aragonite. Pure travertine is white, but is often brown to yellow due to impurities caused by springs or rivers. These impurities can often create beautifully colored bands resulting from the presence of iron or other (e.g.organic) compounds. The largest building in the world constructed largely of travertine is the Colosseum in Rome. In the U.S., one of the most famous structures in which travertine is used extensively is the Getty Center in Los Angeles. On these pages you’ll see some kitchen and bath designs using travertine, as well as travertine fireplaces and range hoods produced by Marble World in Mexico.

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Stone Dimensions - Fall/Winter 2007

Contents Featured Designer: Heather E. Adams: Creating Authentic Style with Stone Pricey, But Worth It: Kitchen & Bath Design News Masters of Design Awards Success the Second Time Around: Remodeling a Master Bath Gallery of Ideas Hard Rock...Easy Choice: Granite is Truly a Stone for the Ages White Marble: Gaining Popularity in Kitchens Travertine Index of Photographs

Stone Dimensions - Fall/Winter 2007

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