Comparison · Metamorphic Rocks vs Sedimentary Rocks
Marble vs Travertine
Marble and Travertine are easy to confuse. Both sit near Mohs 3.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Marble and Travertine
- Both sit near Mohs 3.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Marble is translucent, Travertine is Opaque, translucent in thin layers.
- They overlap in white, but Marble also comes in gray, pink, green, and black and Travertine also comes in brown and multicolored.
Marble vs Travertine properties
| Property | Marble | Travertine |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Metamorphic Rocks | Sedimentary Rocks |
| Mohs hardness | 3.5 | 3–4 |
| Luster | vitreous | Vitreous to dull, sometimes pearly |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | translucent | Opaque, translucent in thin layers |
| Specific gravity | 2.7 | 2.4–2.7 |
| Crystal system | varies | — |
| Common colors | White, Gray, Pink, Green, Black | White, Cream, Tan, Beige, Banded brown |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $5–$500+ | $1–$75+ |
Which is more valuable?
Marble is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $50 against $10 for Travertine, and premium Marble can reach $500 or more.
About Marble
Marble is a metamorphic rock composed of recrystallized carbonate minerals. It has been used for sculpture and architecture since ancient times.
About Travertine
Travertine is a dense, banded sedimentary rock formed by the rapid precipitation of calcium carbonate from mineral-rich spring water, often at hot springs or along streams fed by limestone aquifers. Unlike most limestone, which forms slowly on ocean floors, travertine can build up quickly around a spring's mouth as dissolved carbon dioxide escapes the water and calcite drops out of solution. Its layered, sometimes porous texture makes it a distinctive and widely used building stone.
Marble vs Travertine FAQ
Is Marble the same as Travertine?
No. Marble is a metamorphic rock while Travertine is a sedimentary rock. Both sit near Mohs 3.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Marble from Travertine?
Both sit near Mohs 3.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Hold a thin edge to the light: Marble is translucent, Travertine is Opaque, translucent in thin layers. They overlap in white, but Marble also comes in gray, pink, green, and black and Travertine also comes in brown and multicolored.
Which is harder, Marble or Travertine?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 3.5.
Which is more valuable, Marble or Travertine?
Marble is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $50 against $10 for Travertine, and premium Marble can reach $500 or more.
