Yellow Travertine Pigment

Travertine is a type of limestone that is formed by mineral deposits from natural springs. The rapid precipitation of calcite creates this sedimentary stone. Other minerals mix with the calcite to create unique swirls and movements that give the travertine its distinctive character and color. Rublev Colours Yellow Travertine contains small amounts of iron oxide that impart a pale yellow-beige tint.

For a detailed explanation of the terms in the table above, please visit Composition and Permanence.

Origin and History

Travertine was used in stone masonry dating back to the First Dynasty of Egypt in 3200 BC. The name ‘travertine’ is just a corrupted version of the Latin name travertino, a derivation of the Latin lapis tiburtinus, which means ‘Tibur Stone.’ This is because the ancient Romans first found travertine in vast deposits in the city of Tibur, now known as Tivoli. Even today, Tivoli is one of the world’s leading travertine producers.

Travertine is a sedimentary rock formed by the precipitation of calcium carbonate minerals from freshwater, typically in springs, rivers, and lakes—surface and ground waters. In the broadest sense, travertine includes deposits in both hot and cold springs, including the porous, spongy rock known as tufa and the cave features known as speleothems (which include stalactites and stalagmites).

Both major calcium carbonate minerals, calcite, and aragonite, are found in hot spring travertines. Aragonite is precipitated when temperatures are hot, while calcite dominates when temperatures are cooler. When pure and fine, travertine is white, but often it is brown to yellow due to impurities, such as sulfur and ferric compounds, as found in our Yellow Travertine.

Source

Yellow Travertine is from deposits in the Lori Province of Armenia.

Permanence and Compatibility

Based on the colorant, iron oxide, and calcite mineral, this pigment has broad compatibility and permanence with all media. Iron oxide is very lightfast and stable outdoors and has excellent weatherfastness.

Oil Absorption and Grinding

The oil absorption value for Yellow Travertine is 24. This means 24 grams or milliliters (approx.) of linseed oil is required to form a coherent paste for every 100 grams of pigment. Travertine has a Mohs hardness of 4, which gives it the same abrasiveness as marble. This pigment is easy to grind into both waterborne and oil paint.

Toxicity

Travertine is not considered a hazardous substance. However, care should be exercised when handling the pigment to avoid inhaling or ingesting the powder.

For more information on handling pigments safely, please visit How to Safely Handle Art Materials and Pigments.