In spite of traditional reference to "travertine marble", travertine is really a type of limestone and is actually the terrestrial (land) formed version of limestone, as opposed to the marine based formations of other limestones. Often displaying soft earth tones, decorators using these stones in their countertops design have a wide choice of colors for matching custom countertops to other interior decor elements. Many varieties of travertine and limestone have a successful history of countertop applications, so durable that they are also used for exterior applications, and have been used on th eexterior of many prominent government and financial institutions around the world.
Limestone countertops and travertine countertops, like marble countertops, are of a calcium carbonate base, and as such, are vulnerable to alteration by exposure to mild acids. A wide variety of stones are included in this group, and absorption varies from slight (<1%) to high (>10%). The combination of acid sensitivity and absorption limit the number of varieties that are suitable for countertop applications, and the user of limestone countertops should be well educated in its properties to accurately anticipate its behavior in service.
