Travertine tile has more variation within each piece and can show off its texture in both linear vein-cut materials or in the whorls and clouds of the cross-cut varieties. The small holes that are inherent in travertine were created by escaping carbon dioxide when the stone was formed. Typically, these holes are filled at the factory before the tile is sold. Travertine has an overall sense of warmth which makes it very popular for residential and hospitality applications.