Slab Sunday: Durango Travertine

 Durango Travertine is quarried near Torreon, Mexico.

From Arizona Tile's website...
"Durango travertine is a sedimentary stone formed in hot springs which is comprised of calcite calcium carbonate.
All travertines have cavities that were created when the carbon dioxide bubbles were trapped as the stone was being formed. When you are shopping for travertine you will see "filled" and "unfilled" travertine. If the stone is "unfilled" they just left those small cavities open at the quarry. When you have the tile or slab installed most people have those cavities filled with grout or cement.
If they stone is "filled" this means that the cavities were filled at the quarry with cement. Depending on the time of year and how much moisture is in the air the tone of the fill can vary and will affect the color of the stone."

Contemporary Bathroom design by Austin Interior Designer BRY design

Photo: Glass Tile Gallery.

  Since travertine is a calcium based stone anything acidic will etch the surface. You will generally see Durango travertine with a honed (matte) surface instead of polished. When the material is honed you won't notice the etching as much. Due to the etching though, you won't see travertine as kitchen countertops too often. Though it is probably one of the most popular choices for a kitchen backsplash. Generally people stick to using it as countertops in bathrooms, laundry rooms and on furniture pieces.

Traditional Kitchen design by San Francisco Kitchen And Bath Kitchens of Diablo

Mediterranean Bathroom design by San Diego Interior Designer James Patrick Walters

Other names for Durango travertine are: Torreon Stone, Paredon and Sombreretillo.

Contemporary Living Room design by Austin Interior Designer Allison Jaffe Interior Design

You will also find quite a few different styles of sinks made from Durango travertine. Durango travertine is available in 2 cm and 3 cm slabs and almost any size of tile you can think of. It is also commonly used in listelles and mosaics.