What is the difference between travertine and marble?

For many, travertine is just another fancy word for marble. But the two are actually different types of natural stone.  Marble is a metamorphic stone and travertine is sedimentary.  Both marble and travertine Form from limestone. 

Travertine forms in geothermal springs from the precipitation of calcium carbonate.  Travertine is porous due to the pockets where carbon dioxide bubble up through the stone.  Travertine is less dense than marble and typically comes in light neutral colors.  When used in building materials, travertine is filled and honed giving it a matte finish.  Travertine typically feels softer to the touch than marble.

Marble is a metamorphic rock that forms deep underground in oceanic environments under the conditions of extreme pressure and heat.  The limestone in marble re-crystallizes and mixes with other minerals in the stone forming vein lines.  Marble is typically more dense than travertine and is usually polished giving it a shinier finish.

Marble and travertine have been used for thousands of years as construction materials including being used for stone sinks.  TashMart sells a large variety of unique travertine and marble vessel sinks.  Contact us more information on ordering a sink. 713-510-4888