Unfilled Travertine – What Is It?

Unfilled travertine is a type of sedimentary stone. It forms in a natural process that is often found in hot springs. You can also sometimes find it in caves where stone formations develop. Travertine is a form of limestone. It comes in many colours. The colours include coral, cream, tan, brown and white. In some cases it comes with stripes of different colours making it even more appealing.

Countries like Turkey and Italy are the prime sources of unfilled travertine. But you can also find similar forms of it in many other parts of the world. Like for example some parts of the United States such as Texas and Oklahoma. Interestingly, way back in ancient Rome, people were already quarrying this natural stone. Travertine played an important part in the building of ancient Rome. Such as in building St. Peter’s Square way back in the 1500s. Michelangelo also used them in making some of the external ribs of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Unfilled Travertine’s Popularity Today

There are so many natural occurrences of unfilled travertine. You can find it in the walls, floors and terraces of many countries around the world. Among the most popular natural formations of travertine which you can find in Turkey is Pamukkale.

This place has a total of seventeen hot springs. Running water which is abundant in carbonate minerals helped to form and still helps form natural formations of unfilled travertine terraces. These terraces are approximately 160 metres in height. Hierapolis which is an ancient city in the Greco-Roman empire was located at the top of the hot springs. It is now a famous tourist spot.

Recently many travertine mines around Turkey have been exporting these unique stones. In Australia, people love using unfilled travertine pavers for their outdoor areas.

Being extremely valuable, many use unfilled travertine in landscaping. It gives a distinct yet classical look. Unfilled travertine has holes on the surface which promote traction even when wet.

It’s also incredibly strong. Because of this, unfilled travertine is very useful for pathways and patio pavers. They are salt resistant, cool during hot weather and comes with non-slip features. Because of these properties, it is ideal for external areas especially around pools.

Many use the 30mm tumbled edge travertine paver as their pool coping. Not only is it cheap by purchasing it at TFO in Smithfield but it looks stunning as well.

Have a look at our range available at our online tile store. You will love the unfilled travertine at TFO!