It is a banded, compact variety of limestone formed along streams, mainly where there are waterfalls and around hot or cold springs. The holes in travertine were created when carbon dioxide bubbles were trapped as the stone formed, giving rise to an open texture which can be filled or left natural.

Travertine contains holes but don't worry - they are meant to be there! The characteristic holes unique to travertine have been created by trapped gases such as carbon dioxide that have leaked away over time.The holes in travertine distinguish it from other types of stone e.g. marble.

A lot of wine has been spilled on travertine over the years, especially in Italy! However, too much wine can add unexpected patina to the surface if care is not taken! Travertine is comprised principally of calcite (calcium carbonate) which is also in marble and is very susceptible to all kinds of acids, some of which appear quite harmless.

We have had two conversations with people complaining about travertine (not ours) that has started crumbling with 18 months of being laid. There are two reasons why this happens. Firstly the stone has too many holes and some holes are uncharacteristically large; secondly the stone is soft with low density.

Travertine has been used on paths, stairs, walls and floors in Europe for hundreds of years - it's part of the stone's charm. Travertine has been used on more significant buildings as well.The Colloseum in Rome was constructed with travertine quarried from Tivoli on the outskirts of the city. The Sacre Coeur Basilica in Paris and the Getty Centre in Los Angeles are also made from travertine.

Natural stones are one of the world's oldest building materials, Travertine natural stones are an excellent....