Faiza Tehseen

Travertine exports could bring substantial economic benefits to Pakistan if the country's deposits are systematically and scientifically tapped.**

"Travertine is a type of limestone, a densely banded sedimentary rock primarily composed of aragonite and calcite (calcium carbonate). It forms when calcium carbonate precipitates rapidly from shallow or surface spring waters and rivers," explained Abdul Bashir, Chief Geologist at Koh-i-Daleel Minerals Private Limited, based in Balochistan. "Travertine often has a fibrous or concentric appearance, and the term is commonly used to describe warm to hot water hydrothermal precipitates. "In an interview with WealthPK, Bashir elaborated that travertine deposits form through calcium- and silicate-bearing hot water jets, a phenomenon driven by hydrothermal activity in igneous rocks. "Travertine can also form in limestone cavities where calcium-rich water drips continuously, creating deposits. In some cases, it occurs in sedimentary rock areas through rapid precipitation," he added. Bashir further noted, "Travertine found in igneous rocks is generally harder, often containing jade silicates and calcite. During its formation, bubbles create cavities within the travertine. The uneven surface of travertine is due to carbon dioxide bubbles trapped during the formation process.

It ranks between 3 and 4 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, making it moderately hard but softer than sandstone due to its calcium carbonate content." He continued, "Travertine is typically sourced from hot springs, limestone caves, and hot spring quarries. It is a versatile and durable material, resistant to heat, UV light, and fading, which contributes to its longevity. Travertine is classified into three grades: premium, standard, and commercial, based on factors like porosity, cutting, and thickness. The fewer the holes, the higher the quality. Balochistan's Chagai region is rich in travertine formed through igneous activity, while sedimentary travertine is found in areas like Muslim Bagh, Zhob, Loralai, and Harnai." Muhammad Yousaf, a mining engineer, also spoke with WealthPK, highlighting travertine's natural anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties. "Travertine is durable, resistant to water damage, and doesn’t easily discolour or scratch. One of its key features is the numerous tiny holes within the stone, most of which are invisible," Yousaf said. "Because it is naturally porous and breathable, travertine is ideal for humid and damp environments. It is a natural stone like granite, quartzite, or slate," he added.

Yousaf also shared that in ancient Greece and Rome, travertine was the most common building stone, used in the construction of temples, aqueducts, baths, and even the Roman Colosseum. "Originally called 'lapis tiburtinu,' the name gradually evolved into 'travertine.' Though it has different properties from marble, travertine is a type of limestone similar to granite. In modern times, it is used for various construction purposes, including stairs, façade cladding, basins, and more," he explained. "Travertine is available in a range of light colours, including white, beige, rust, yellow, cream, tan, pink, brown, or even reddish hues due to iron content in the deposits. It often has veins of different colours running through it, making it popular for construction uses like pool coping, pavements, and flooring," Yousaf noted. He emphasized the importance of scientifically exploring Pakistan's travertine deposits to advance the mining sector, which would create new business and job opportunities. The global travertine stone tile market is projected to grow from $100 billion in 2023 to $150 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 10%.

Credit: INP-WealthPk