Travertine (a form of limestone)
New Mexico Travertine
New Mexico Travertine is a banded limestone deposited at or near the surface by groundwater, often formed from springs of water rich in carbon dioxide rising along faults. It is found in distinctive deposits in Valencia County, near Belen, and in north-central New Mexico where the Rio Grande rift intersects the Jemez Lineament. It can have a fibrous or concentric appearance and exists in white, tan, cream-colored, and rusty varieties.
- Origin
- New Mexico, USA
- Quarry
- Valencia County, near Belen, New Mexico; La Madera, Rio Ojo Caliente, northern New Mexico.
- Mohs hardness
- 3-5 (Travertine typically scores 3 to 5 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it relatively soft compared to other natural stones).
- Water absorption
- As a porous stone, travertine can absorb water. ASTM C97 specifies a maximum absorption of 0.40% by weight for dimension stone. Travertine's porous texture can make it instantly slip-proof when wet, but it also means it needs sealing.
- ASTM spec
- ASTM C1527 Standard Specification for Travertine Dimension Stone. ASTM C97 Standard Test Methods for Absorption and Bulk Specific Gravity. Recommended absorption: Maximum 0.40% by weight. Density: Minimum 160 lb/ft³ (2,560 kg/m³). Compressive strength: Minimum 19,000 psi (131 MPa).
- Installed price
- $12 - $47 (Travertine pavers installed range from $12-$25/sq ft. Travertine tile installation costs between $5 and $47 per square foot, depending on tile quality and finish. Labor costs for travertine tile installation can range from $25 to $70 per square foot. General installed costs for travertine are around $10-$15/sq ft for labor only).
- Slab price
- $10 - $130 (General travertine prices start from $10/sq ft and go up to $130/sq ft. Premium chiseled and honed travertine pavers can range from $2.35 to $4.99/sq ft. Polished travertine floor tiles are $15-$30/sq ft. Unpolished travertine is around $3/sq ft. Mexico Travertine tiles are $22-$40/sq meter, which converts to roughly $2-$4/sq ft for material).
- Finishes
- Polished, honed, chiseled, tumbled, natural.
- Applications
- Flooring, wall coverings, countertops, tub and shower surrounds, vanities, pavers, exterior and interior applications.
- USA distributors
- New Mexico Travertine Inc. directly supplies customers across the United States. Surface Group (features New Mexico Travertine).
- Maintenance
- Relatively soft, so it can scratch from harder objects. As a carbonate stone, acids can etch it. Requires sealing to protect against moisture absorption and staining. Regular cleaning with pH-neutral cleaners is recommended.