Travertine Stone

Travertine stone is a sedimentary rock primarily made of calcium carbonate, usually formed by mineral springs, especially hot springs. It has a unique, porous, and often banded appearance due to various mineral deposits. Its versatility, durability, range of colors, and enduring nature make it ideal for both indoor and outdoor design.

Since the Roman Empire, travertine stone has been widely used as a building material, renowned for its durability and aesthetic appeal. It is especially popular for flooring, wall cladding, and decorative architectural elements. In this article, we will explore the unique features and benefits of travertine in more detail.

If you are interested in travertine, you should check out the complete collection offered by MGT Stone Co. Their selection includes a wide range of colors, from the darkest shades to the lightest. For those looking to purchase travertine in bulk, MGT Stone Co. provides an extensive variety to meet your needs. Be sure to explore this collection before continuing with this article!

Travertino

Timeless Beauty, Unmatched Strength

The terms “travertine” and “travertino” refer to the same type of stone, with the difference primarily being linguistic and sometimes regional. “Travertine” is the English term, while “travertino” is the Italian term. In English-speaking countries, “travertine” is widely used to describe this sedimentary rock, whereas “travertino” is commonly used in Italy and other Italian-speaking regions. In international contexts, especially in the stone and construction industries, both terms are often used interchangeably. However, “travertine” is more common in English-speaking markets, while “travertino” is preferred in Italian-speaking contexts or when referring to Italian varieties of the stone.

Natural Travertine Stone

While there are man-made tiles designed to mimic its appearance, the authentic material is natural travertine stone. It forms through geological processes where calcium carbonate precipitates from mineral-rich waters. This natural formation process results in travertine’s unique, porous texture and distinctive banding patterns, which vary based on the mineral content present during its creation. Consequently, each piece of travertine is one-of-a-kind, highlighting the inherent beauty and diversity of natural stone. Below are the two methods used for producing travertine:

Veincut Travertine

Veincut travertine is created by slicing the stone block parallel to its natural bedding planes, which emphasizes the linear vein patterns within the stone. This method brings out dramatic, continuous lines that showcase the stone’s natural beauty, resulting in a visually striking and elegant appearance. The linear veining gives veincut travertine a unique, sophisticated look that contrasts with the more uniform patterns seen in crosscut stones, adding a touch of natural elegance to any space.

Crosscut Travertine

Crosscut travertine is produced by cutting the stone perpendicular to its natural bedding planes, resulting in a surface with a more uniform and less linear pattern. This technique reveals a cloudy, swirling design with a more homogeneous distribution of the stone’s natural features, such as voids and color variations. The softer, understated look of crosscut travertine makes it suitable for a wide range of design styles and applications. This cutting method highlights the stone’s natural porosity and texture, adding to its rustic charm and making it a popular choice for various architectural and design projects.

Natural Travertine

Origins and Export Formats

While natural travertine is found in countries like Italy, Iran, Turkey, Mexico, the USA, and Peru, Iran is particularly notable for its diverse range of travertine colors. The country is renowned for its high-quality travertine, which is exported to various international markets. Iran holds about 10% of the world’s travertine reserves, making it a significant player in the natural stone industry. Some globally recognized varieties, such as red travertine, are found exclusively in Iran.

Iranian travertine is highly sought after for its aesthetic appeal, durability, and versatility, making it a preferred choice for construction and design projects worldwide. Below are the formats in which this stone is exported to other countries:

Travertine Block

Travertine blocks are large, well-shaped stones extracted from travertine quarries with specific dimensions. The ideal size for these blocks is typically 200 cm in width and 300 cm in length. A block with these dimensions and a specific weight of 2.4 grams per cubic centimeter usually weighs between 23 to 27 tons. The highest value blocks are those that are perfectly intact, featuring uniform color and pattern throughout.

These high-quality travertine blocks are excellent for export or producing premium slabs. Due to their size and characteristics, achieving full-size travertine blocks is more challenging compared to other stones. As a result, quarries often supply travertine, especially lighter varieties, in grouped collections of blocks with varying tonnage.

To fulfill the stone market demand for blocks, MGT Stone Co. supplies products from its own quarries, including high-quality Marjan Silver Travertine and other highly sought-after stones like Beige Travertine. These blocks are provided to customers who wish to produce slabs in their own factories and regions, ensuring they receive top-tier materials for their production needs. MGT Stone Co. is committed to delivering excellent quality travertine blocks that meet the diverse requirements of the global market.

Travertine Slabs

As indicated earlier, travertine stone can be cut using two primary methods: vein cut and cross cut. Stone factories are equipped to produce both travertine slabs and tiles, with slab production typically carried out using a gang saw, resulting in large-sized slabs. The dimensions of these slabs vary depending on the original blocks, but the common thickness is usually 2 cm.
Although travertine slabs are less frequently used compared to other stone like marble, they are highly valued by customers. Slabs allow for a wide range of cuts in different sizes, making them versatile for various projects
Among stone manufacturers, MGT Stone Co. stands out for its commitment to quality, utilizing the best filling materials for their travertine slabs. As one of the few factories capable of producing travertine slabs with top-grade epoxy, MGT ensures superior quality and durability. The company offers a broad selection of travertine slabs in various colors, readily available in their showroom. Additionally, MGT provides travertine slabs with different finishes, such as polished, honed, leathered, and raw, including design styles like book match and four match.

Travertine Tile

Producing travertine tile in stone factories involves two primary procedures. The first method involves cutting the tile to size from slabs, while the second method uses a block cutter to create free-length stones. Once produced, the usage of travertine tile is typically less extensive than that of marble tile; however, it remains a popular choice for floor decoration in luxury projects.
You can rely on MGT Stone Co. for bulk orders of travertine tiles. Utilizing advanced technology in their factories, MGT produces a significant portion of high-quality travertine tiles in various sizes with remarkable precision. Like many other stones, travertine tiles are typically available in square and rectangular shapes.

Applications of Travertine

Travertine is widely used in both residential and commercial construction projects, enhancing any architectural style with its timeless elegance, from classical to contemporary. Below are the different areas where this versatile stone can be installed:

Travertine Paving

Travertine paving is celebrated for its timeless beauty and elegance, offering natural color variations and surface patterns that enhance any space. It provides a classic and sophisticated look, complementing various architectural styles, and its versatility allows for numerous design options, including a wide range of sizes, shapes, and finishes to suit both traditional and contemporary aesthetics.

As an environmentally friendly choice, travertine is a natural stone formed from mineral deposits, making it a sustainable and eco-conscious material. Travertine pavers are practical and versatile, ideal for outdoor entertaining areas. The tumbled finish is particularly recommended for its raw, rustic aesthetic that helps mask dirt and reduces maintenance efforts.

In addition to its aesthetic and practical benefits, travertine paving is relatively cost-effective for a natural stone option, making it a popular choice among homeowners. For these reasons, travertine could be the perfect solution for your next paving project.

If you are interested in learning more about silver travertine pavers, you can read our detailed blog on this product. The blog covers the pros and cons, as well as the process for finalizing bulk orders from MGT Stone Co. This resource will provide you with comprehensive insights and help you make an informed decision.

Exterior Travertine Tile

Exterior travertine tile, typically produced in thicker formats, is ideal for paving outdoor spaces. It is highly durable, capable of withstanding heavy foot traffic and harsh weather conditions, making it a long-term investment. Its heat resistance ensures it remains cool to the touch even in high temperatures, making it perfect for pool decks and pathways. The honed and tumbled finishes enhance slip resistance, making them suitable for areas where slipperiness is a concern.

Investing in exterior travertine tiles can also significantly increase property value due to their luxurious appearance and durability.

Travertine Garden Paving

While travertine is suitable for various exterior applications, it is most commonly used for travertine garden paving. It is a natural stone known for its porosity, which affects its water absorption properties. The water absorption rate of travertine typically ranges from 2% to 8%, depending on the type and quality of the stone. This relatively high absorption rate, compared to other natural stones, is due to its porous structure formed by the precipitation of calcium carbonate from mineral-rich waters.

When used outdoors for travertine garden paving or pool surrounds, its water absorption can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. The stone remains cooler underfoot, providing a comfortable surface during hot weather. However, its porous nature also means it requires proper sealing and maintenance to prevent water damage and staining.

Travertine Flooring

The primary difference between travertine flooring and travertine paving lies in their intended use and specific characteristics suited to these applications. Travertine flooring, typically designed for indoor areas like living rooms, often features a smoother, more polished finish such as honed, polished, or brushed, providing a refined appearance and comfortable surface.

These travertine flooring products are generally thinner than paving stones, making them easier to install on interior floors. In contrast, travertine paving is meant for outdoor use and is typically thicker and more robust to withstand elements like temperature fluctuations, moisture, and heavy use.

Outdoor pavers often have a more textured, non-slip surface, such as a tumbled or natural finish, to provide better traction in wet conditions. While both travertine flooring and paving utilize the same natural stone, they differ in thickness, finish, durability, and installation methods to suit their specific indoor or outdoor applications.

Travertine Floor Tiles

Travertine floor tiles are the most common format used for flooring applications. As a leading producer of natural stone in Iran, MGT Stone Co. specializes in manufacturing travertine floor tiles in both regular and customized dimensions for bulk purchases. With extensive experience in the production and export of numerous containers of travertine floor tiles, MGT Stone Co. ensures high-quality products that meet international standards, making them a reliable choice for clients around the world.

Travertine Wall Tiles

Due to its porous structure, travertine has a lower density compared to granite and marble, making travertine wall tiles lighter and more suitable for walls and facades. This lighter weight simplifies installation on walls and facades, which is typically more complex than flooring or paving. Additionally, travertine wall tiles can create classic looks reminiscent of ancient Roman architecture, adding a touch of historical elegance to any space.

Travertine Finishes

Different Surface Styles for Slabs and Tiles

Thanks to its porous structure, travertine can be produced with various surface finishes, ranging from polished to rustic and textured styles. MGT Stone Co. is proud to offer a comprehensive selection of these finishes to meet the diverse needs of its customers:

Polished Travertine

Polished travertine is a type of travertine stone that undergoes mechanical polishing to achieve a high-gloss finish. This process accentuates the stone’s natural colors and patterns, resulting in a sleek, reflective surface. Commonly used for indoor applications such as flooring, countertops, and wall cladding, polished travertine provides a luxurious and sophisticated look. The polishing process also reduces the stone’s porosity, making it more resistant to staining; however, regular sealing and maintenance are still required to maintain its pristine appearance.

Honed Travertine

Honed travertine is a type of travertine that has been ground to a smooth, matte finish, offering a sleek and elegant look without the reflective shine of polished travertine. This versatile finish can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications, including floors, walls, and patios. It provides a contemporary aesthetic and is less slippery than polished travertine, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas.

Tumbled Travertine

Tumbled travertine is created through a process where the stone is tumbled with abrasives, resulting in a weathered and rustic look. This finishing technique gives the stone rounded edges and a textured surface, enhancing its natural appeal. Tumbled travertine is particularly suitable for outdoor settings such as garden paths, patios, and pool surrounds due to its slip-resistant qualities. Additionally, it brings a touch of rustic charm to indoor areas like backsplashes and shower floors. To protect tumbled travertine from moisture and stains, regular sealing is recommended.

Splitface Travertine

Splitface travertine is distinguished by its rough, uneven surface, achieved by splitting the stone along its natural grain. This finishing technique emphasizes the stone’s natural texture, giving it a rugged, three-dimensional appearance. Splitface travertine is ideal for exterior wall cladding, feature walls, and fireplaces, where a dramatic and textured look is desired. Its rough surface adds visual interest and depth, making it a compelling choice for enhancing architectural designs. You can receive more information about splitface tile stone, which is supplied by MGT, by clicking on this link.

Brushed Travertine

Brushed travertine features a textured finish created by treating the stone with wire brushes. This process imparts a slightly worn and aged appearance, enhancing its natural beauty while providing a soft, tactile surface. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, brushed travertine is commonly used for floors, walls, and pool decks. Its slip-resistant surface makes it an excellent choice for areas where safety is a concern. To maintain its appearance and protect against stains and moisture, brushed travertine, like other types of travertine, requires regular sealing.

Filled Travertine

Filled travertine is a type of travertine stone where the natural pores and voids have been filled with resin or grout to create a smoother surface. This filling process enhances the stone’s durability and makes it easier to clean. Filled travertine can be provided in different styles, including transparent filling, matched color mastic filling, and cement filling. Transparent filling is the most expensive option, offering a modern look, while cement filling is an older, more traditional method. The filling material is typically matched to the stone’s color, creating a seamless appearance while maintaining the stone’s natural beauty. Filled travertine can come in various finishes, such as polished and honed, providing flexibility for different design preferences.

Unfilled Travertine

Unfilled travertine retains its natural pores and voids, giving it a rustic and authentic appearance. Like filled travertine, it can be offered in different surface finishes such as polished and honed. This type of travertine is often selected for its natural, unrefined look, making it ideal for garden paths, patios, and feature walls. The textured surface of unfilled travertine provides excellent traction, making it well-suited for outdoor and wet areas.

Raw Travertine

Raw travertine is stone in its natural, untreated form, without undergoing any finishing processes such as polished, honed, or filling. It retains its original texture, color variations, and natural voids, showcasing a rugged and unprocessed appearance. Raw travertine is ideal for outdoor landscaping, garden paths, and naturalistic design projects, where its organic look can be highlighted. Due to its high porosity, raw travertine requires sealing to protect it from environmental elements and maintain its structural integrity. Careful handling during installation and use is essential to prevent damage and ensure long-lasting durability.

Travertine Price

The price of travertine varies significantly based on factors such as quality, finish, and origin. This variability makes travertine a versatile option for different budgets, suitable for both luxury and cost-conscious projects. Unique colors like white travertine and silver travertine tend to be more expensive due to their rarity and demand. Conversely, more affordable options like yellow travertine and brown travertine are available in the stone market, providing cost-effective solutions without compromising on aesthetic appeal.

Travertine Tile Price

Travertine tiles, commonly used for indoor flooring and wall applications, are generally more affordable compared to travertine slabs. Travertine Tile Price also depends on its finish and quality. Polished travertine tiles, offering a sleek and refined look, are typically more expensive due to the additional processing required to achieve their high-gloss finish, compared to unfilled or tumbled tiles. The cost of travertine tile also varies with size and thickness, with larger and thicker tiles often being priced higher.

Travertine Cost Per Square Foot

Travertine prices are typically quoted per square meter, especially for bulk purchases from Iran. However, if you need to calculate the travertine cost per square foot to better estimate your budget, you can easily convert the price. Simply inquire about the travertine cost per square meter from a trusted supplier like MGT Stone Co. Then, divide the price per square meter by 10.76 to obtain the price per square foot. This conversion will give you a clearer understanding of the costs involved for your project.

Travertine Suppliers

MGT Stone Co. – Your Trusted Business Partner

Travertine suppliers play a crucial role in the natural stone industry, providing a variety of products for global construction and design projects. They source travertine directly from quarries, process it into different formats such as blocks, slabs, and tiles, and distribute it to wholesalers, retailers, and contractors. The quality and selection of travertine from a supplier depend on the specific quarries and their processing methods. Leading suppliers like MGT use advanced machinery and techniques to ensure their products meet international standards, catering to diverse aesthetic and functional needs.

MGT Stone Co. is a distinguished supplier of natural stone from Iran, renowned for its exceptional range of high-quality travertine. The company owns and operates several significant quarries, including Marjan Silver Travertine, Hesar Titanium Travertine, and Maran White Travertine. These quarries are recognized for producing some of the most coveted travertine varieties, characterized by their unique colors, patterns, and durability.

MGT Stone Co. excels in wholesaling natural stone, particularly travertine, in all formats—blocks, slabs, and tiles. Their products are exported to numerous countries, meeting the global demand for top-tier natural stone. The company’s dedication to quality and ability to supply large quantities make it a trusted partner for architects, designers, and builders seeking premium travertine for various applications.

For inquiries and orders of travertine stone, MGT Stone Co. is ready to assist you. They offer comprehensive solutions for your natural stone needs, ensuring high quality and timely delivery. To explore the product offerings and place an order, contact us directly. Whether you are looking for Super White Travertine or Hesar Black Travertine, MGT Stone Co. can provide you with the highest quality natural stone products, tailored to your specific requirements.