thew60:

As a warranty agent for several solid surface manufacturers, I've learned to always ask if there are teenagers in the house. If not, it there anyone else who may get in big trouble if they confess? Start there, please.

I'm not sure I'm seeing exactly where the pale area is unless it's at the top middle of the center pictured tile. Travertine will etch by looking at it (almost). Did you boil some water with some type of acid in it? Does the pale area get hot when you cook?

As for a solution, buy some MB12 and follow the instructions or call a restoration professional. Don't get any spatter on anything you don't want etched like stainless or finished wood.

Can you circle what it is you are talking about? All I'm seeing is normal holey travertine with normal fill.

There is clearly a large light area, maybe grapefruit sized, dead center. Presumably not there before.

Was an enhancing sealer used (which deepens the color)? Maybe it has worn/washed off in this area.

In response to the children issue, I have responsible children in their early/mid 20s. This tile was sealed with SCI sealer. It did darken the tile when it was first sealed and it remained that dark until this light area appeared. When I attempted to clean and then reseal this area it's darkened as it should. Once the sealer dried however, the light spot reappeared. My wife does do a lot of cooking, however it is meticulously cleaned and we've never had any major splatters in that area. (at least that I know of.)