Travertine has long since been a material used in construction, since early Roman times.
In ancient Italy, the terrestrial sedimentary rock was used in numerous different ways on numerous different structures. The Colosseum, perhaps one of the most famous structures ever built, is constructed completely of Travertine.
Travertine is a somewhat porous rock, that when polished is smooth and aesthetically pleasing. When left unpolished, the stone is left pitted looking, a look that reflects age. A prestigious hard surface choice, Travertine is used as flooring or wall facades, just to name a few applications. It is also used in outside courtyards for patios and garden areas. On a molecular level it is a type of limestone, formed by bubbling hot springs of Calcium Carbonate. Often times Travertine is referred to as Travertine Marble, or Travertine limestone.
The rock matieral is mostly imported to the United States. However, there are a few producers on the West Coast of the U.S. Travertine, in addition to being a choice stone over the ages has made a ressurgence here in the 21st century.