In this blog, we will take the opportunity to clearly explain the differences between marble and travertine.
Although both stones have a similar origin and are extracted from the earth, there are physical-mechanical differences that make them completely distinct in terms of materials.
Marble is a compact metamorphic rock formed from limestone rocks which, when subjected to high temperatures and pressures, achieve a high degree of crystallization. The basic component of marble is calcium carbonate, whose content exceeds 90%; the other components provide the wide variety of colors in marbles and define their physical characteristics. After an abrasive polishing process, marble achieves a high level of natural luster, meaning without waxes or chemical components114
Travertine is the name for a sedimentary rock of partially biogenic origin, formed by calcium carbonate deposits and frequently used in construction as an ornamental stone, for both exterior and interior applications.
Differences Between Marble and Travertine
Although travertine is also referred to as travertine marble, marble and travertine are actually different natural stones due to their appearance and physical-mechanical characteristics, which make them more suitable for one type of application or another.
- Marble is non-porous, while travertine is porous. This means that for certain applications, such as interior flooring, it is necessary to apply cement or resin to fill these pores.
- Marble is harder than travertine. Although both materials possess extraordinary physical-mechanical characteristics as construction materials, marble will always have greater durability.
- Marble is harder to work with than travertine due to its aforementioned hardness; polishing is also slower for marble than for travertine.
- Travertine is a more decorative and warmer stone than marble, owing to both its color and the porosity of its texture.
- Maintenance for marble is required sooner than for travertine due to marble’s dense mineral structure, whereas travertine, being softer, would require it later.
Marble and Travertine: When to Use Which?
Marble and travertine can be used for both interiors and exteriors due to their physical-mechanical characteristics and wear resistance. However, trends show that travertine is much more commonly used outdoors than indoors, and vice versa for marble.
For interior and exterior flooring, both marble and travertine are used, along with stairs made from the same material to ensure visual continuity.
Although moldings, columns, and decorative baseboards are made from both marble and travertine, the trend is always towards travertine because it is a much more decorative and warmer material than marble.
Aside from their use as construction materials, both marble and travertine offer a wide range of interior applications, and are increasingly used as cladding materials for interior walls and fireplaces, as well as kitchen and bathroom countertops. One of their most expressive uses is for bathtubs and washbasins.
Read this article on exterior facade cladding.