Travertine

You probably associate travertine with Italy -- and you'd be correct for Italy is where this beautiful stone has been quarried for centuries. Today, travertine is gaining popularity for kitchens worldwide for its warm, natural hues. Travertine is actually a type of limestone that is created by deposits at mineral springs and can be found in white, tan and cream-colored varieties. Like limestone, travertine requires a fairly high level of maintenance.

Did You Know!

The famous Italian architect Gian Bernini selected travertine to build the Colonade of St. Peter's Square in Rome in 1500.