Armenia Beige Travertine Slabs

Travertine is a white massive concretionary form of calcium carbonate, CaCO3 which is a resultant of deposition by springs (especially hot springs) or rivers. Travertine is usually hard and semicrystalline. It is often found in a beautifully coloured and banded as a result of the iron compounds presence or some other impurities. Generally travertine is less coarse-grained and takes a higher polish than stalactite or stalagmite whose chemical composition and origin are similar.

Physical Properties of Travertine
Light transmission Typically subtranslucent in all but extremely thin pieces
Luster Dull to pearly or even subvitreous.
Miscellany Effervesces with dilute HCl.
Hardness 3-4 Moh's scale
Color Colorless, White, Pink, Yellow, Brown
Density 2.71
Streak White
Specific gravity 1.68
Chemical Properties of Travertine
Flash point 89°F / 31°C
Solubility In water : at 68°F / 20°C : insoluble
In solvents : soluble in many organic solvents like benzene hydrocarbons and chlorinated hydrocarbons, acetone, phthalates,methanol ,ethanol e.t.c.
Uses of Travertine
? The compact crystalline variety of travertine has been used as building stone since ancient Roman times.
? Jewellery like pendants and brooches
? Bookends
? Paperweights
? Carvings like in chess sets