Travertine Wall Tiles

Tiles of travertine stone are more and more becoming a popular choice of wall covering for bathrooms, kitchen backsplashes and entryways. Travertine offers durability and a warm rustic look to any room. Sometimes referred to as travertine marble because of its density and resemblance to marble, travertine is properly classified as limestone. Its natural beauty and charm enhances any décor.

Until late in the last century travertine was imported almost exclusively from Italy near the town of Tivoli. Today, travertine quarries are located around the world, including a few deposits in the Western United States. As a result of greater availability, travertine is now more affordable than ever.

Travertine was used by Egyptians in stone masonry as far back in history as 3200 BC. Structures that were built primarily of travertine in the ancient Roman world are still being viewed by tourists today. Many important and famous architects are still designing buildings using travertine as a prominent part of the structure and décor.

Travertine is formed when cool underground sources of calcite rich water are introduced to geothermal heat. Heat causes aragonite to form in the water which then merges with calcite to form calcium carbonate. The water then encounters and saturates a deposit of limestone leaving calcium carbonate within the pores of the stone transforming the limestone into travertine.

Carbonate is a form of gas which is trapped within the stone during formation and is eventually released leaving behind the pits and pores that characterize travertine.

Contaminants are captured as water is forced through the deposit of stone. Iron carbonates and clay as well as decomposed matter from plants and other sources of organic particulates are responsible for the veins of color which contribute to the beauty of travertine. Otherwise travertine stone would be available only in shades of white.

Colors range from soft whites, beiges and grays to deep browns and charcoal grays, with a variety of pinks, yellows and oranges in between. Every travertine tile has its own identity. The colors run through each tile making it easy to disguise any damage that may occur.

Travertine tiles may be installed on walls as full size tiles or as mosaics. Grout between the tiles is an option or the tiles may be installed adjacent to each other giving an even more rustic look to the wall.
Tiles of different colors may be installed at random or formed into patterns. Or for a more uniform look, tiles may be chosen that have been shipped from the same quarry so the veins of color are the same hue.
Three stages of processing travertine stone produce a greater variety of visual interest to choose from.

Tumbled travertine tiles retain all the characteristic pits and pores and have rounded edges and corners.
Chiseled and brushed tiles still have some of the pits and pores but the edges and corners have been squared. The pits and pores of honed and filled tiles have been filled and the stone has a satiny finish.
For more information about the unique beauty and quality of travertine wall tiles visit Stoneline Group at www.stonelinegroup.com today!