Travertine is a terrestrial sedimentary rock formed by the rapid precipitation of calcium carbonate, often at the mouth of a hot spring or in a limestone cave. It is characterized by its distinct banded appearance and porous structure, making it a popular material in both geological collections and architectural finishings.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Dull to Earthy

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

sedimentarycommon

Travertine

Also: Lapis Tiburtinus, Calcareous Sinter

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Dull to Earthy
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

Is this travertine?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch travertine with a known reference. Travertine sits at Mohs 3-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Travertine leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Travertine typically shows a dull to earthy luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, tan, cream, brown, yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Typical habit: banded, crustiform, massive.

Often confused with

Travertine vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Luster reads dull to earthy on Travertine and vitreous on Mexican Onyx.

How to tell apart: Luster reads dull to earthy on Travertine and vitreous on Calcite.

Compare →

Often found alongside travertine

Minerals reported to co-occur with travertine. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: CaCO₃
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 2.5-2.7 g/cm³
Colors: White Tan Cream Brown Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Dull to Earthy
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal habit: Banded, Crustiform, Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Common
Uses: Decorative, Architectural, Collector
Host rock: Hot Springs and Limestone Caves
Typical price: $5-50 for small decorative specimens or slabs

Where rockhounds find travertine

5 mapped spots

Classic worldwide localities

Tivoli, Italy
Yellowstone National Park, USA
Pamukkale, Turkey
Hierapolis, Turkey

Field-hunting tip

Look in hot springs and limestone caves country, the host setting where travertine typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, aragonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a banded, crustiform, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in West Virginia, Wyoming, New York. Start trip planning there.

Browse 5 U.S. spots for travertine →

More travertine photos

Common questions

How do you identify travertine?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a dull to earthy luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, tan, cream, brown.

Where is travertine found?+

Notable localities include Tivoli, Italy; Yellowstone National Park, USA; Pamukkale, Turkey; Hierapolis, Turkey.

Can I find travertine in the United States?+

RockHoundR maps 5 travertine rockhounding spots across 3 U.S. states. The top states are West Virginia, Wyoming, New York.

How much is travertine worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $5-50 for small decorative specimens or slabs. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like travertine?+

Travertine is most often confused with Limestone, Mexican Onyx, Calcite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with travertine?+

Travertine commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Aragonite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does travertine form in?+

Travertine typically forms in hot springs and limestone caves. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is travertine used for?+

Travertine is used in decorative, architectural, collector.

Find travertine on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.