Travertine is a kind of sedimentary stone which is a form of limestone. When limestone is put under a lot of pressure for a long time (thousands of years), it can turn into travertine, the way peat turns into coal. If the travertine is left under pressure for thousands more years, it can turn into marble, the way coal can turn into diamonds. So travertine is a kind of stone that is about halfway in between limestone and marble.

It is available in a diverse range of colors, from ivory to golden brown. For practical use, its holes are filled using cement (grouting) or chemical fillers like polyester resins, or left unfilled for aesthetic appeal. Grouting travertine in different colors gives an amazingly unique effect to your flooring. Travertine is best on floors, vanity tops, wall cladding, fireplace surrounds and furniture.