Since the beginning of time, the tools we have been using to express our creativity are continuously evolving. Different types of paint have been explored to create different textures and masterpieces. Same goes for mosaic art and the different types of marble mosaic stones used to create a mosaic artwork.
Our artists will take you on a journey through the different marble mosaic stones that you can use to make a mosaic.
What are Mosaic Stones, Mosaic Tesserae and Mosaic Tiles?
They are all different names for the same thing: the small, usually cubed tiles used to create a mosaic. Simply, a mosaic artist or enthusiast would line up the tiles next to each other to create a mosaic pattern or artwork. Making mosaics is an art, and anyone can become a mosaic artist if you have enough passion, patience and dedication.
What’s So Special About Marble?
The most common material used as tesserae to make mosaic is marble. Marble is known for its durability. Also, it can be polished to boost its shininess.
Marble is a non-foliated metamorphic rock and the result of recrystallized carbonate minerals. It is commonly used for sculptures and building constructions. However, since the Roman Empire, mosaics were created using local resources and natural marble stones. Actually, marble in nature looks as mesmerizing.
Marble is traded all around the world for different purposes. It is interesting to know that there are 4 main countries that mine approximately half of the world’s marble. Those being: Italy, China, India, and Spain. Others are Turkey, Greece and the USA.
There are endless types of marble. Of course, the variety depends on its origins and re-crystallization process in nature. Let’s set on a journey to discover the different types, their colors, and some interesting facts about each marble mosaic stone.
1. Capturing Sunlight: Giallo Marble Mosaic Stones
Named after its sunshine hues and radiant color, Gaillo marble is Italian in origin. This type of marble exudes an air of exclusivity that renders it unique and versatile. Also, the variety of Gaillo shades is simply impressive. On the spectrum, the colors for these marble mosaic stones vary from subtle yellows to deep orange. Similar to the shades of the sunset, this type of marble stones is here to shine.
Moreover, there are different kinds of Giallo. In the world of marble, we have giallo oro, realle, sienna, venus, and spider giallo. No doubt, each one of these refers to a different shade of giallo.
2. Harboring the Color of Love: Valentina Marble Mosaic Stones
Pink red is not everyone’s favorite color, but it is the color of love. That’s a fact. Valentina is an elegant marble that contains shades of olive green, pink red and white. Now, imagine this in a mosaic artwork! It will definitely add a dreamy look to the mosaic design.
3. The Cask of Amontillado Marble: Red Travertine
The color of red travertine will take you back to the short story of Edgar Allan Poe. The Cask of Amontillado. It’s color is exactly like the colors of brick wall that the killer of Massie was buried behind.
Can’t picture or remember one of the best literary scenes? Here’s one of our red travertine loose tiles to refresh your memory.
Another kind of travertine is the Noce shade which refers to walnut, coffee and, chocolate and cream all in one marble piece. Due to its color, this travertine holds a certain warmth that makes it perfect for calm design moods and rooms like bedrooms for instance.
As a matter of fact, the most important quarries are found in Rome, Italy. Specifically, in Tivoli, a district near Rome.
4. Where the Reefs Meets the Ocean: Rosso Laguna
The shade of Rosso Laguna is derived from the Basque language and it means a shallow body of water separated from a larger one by reefs.
This marble stone is common in Turkey and it has its own ruby red beauty. it has blends of deep red with shades of blue grey making it perfect to add an instant powerful touch to interiors.
5. Simply Exotic: Blue Bahia
Also referred to as Azul Bahia, this marble mosaic stone harbors the deep shades of the ocean with a light canary yellow. Not to forget the pearly white veining here and there.
Due to its colors, this marble is commonly used in bathrooms to leave a touch of tranquility all around. For countertops and bordering. In mosaic art, it always adds a luxurious touch, especially in waterjet mosaics.
It is interesting to know that Azul is the Spanish word for Blue. The latter makes more sense when you know that Bahia is sourced from marble quarries in Brazil.
6. Peace of the Verde Laguna
Verde means green in Italian, Spanish and English. And Verde marble mosaic stone is clearly an elegant jewel toned beauty. The Fresh green fusion of tones within this marble is captivating. So, it leaves a mood of royal sophistication in its wake.
This type of marble is commonly found in Greece and it will lend an air of grace in mosaic art especially natural scenery mosaics.
7. Pearly Homes with White Onyx
Found in Greece, Turkey and Itlay, White Onyx is simply dreams. Added to countertops and rooms, it leaves an ethereal and serene touch behind.
Take a closer look on this marble mosaic stone in action!
8. Purely Itlaian: Carrara
Named after the area of its most rich quarries in Italy, Carrara is naturally subtle. Hence, it is a perfect stone to use to add a minimalist and peaceful touch to spaces. It has a subtle shade of green that only adds to its natural look. This marble mosaic stone definitely shows Mother Natures beauty in every speck.
9. Holding the Vastness of the Universe: Baradiglio
Baradiglio combines shades of grey with deep shades of blue which results in a dark beauty that never fails to dazzle. These marble mosaic stones will always add a natural yet elegant feel to spaces and artwork. Moreover, it is perfect to bring out the colors in any artwork to to its dark contrast.
10. The Darkness of Space: Tala Black
We seal our list of marvelous marble mosaic stones and tiles with the most luxurious color of all: Black. The color that captures all colors. It is a fact that black is the master of all colors in design, painting and everything in between.
Just imagine how beautiful a mosaic artwork infused with Tala black will look!
What Do We Use at Mozaico?
Our artist choose the finest stones to create your mosaic designs. In addition to marble, we use glass, smalti from Orsoni, and quartz. Actually, marble is our most preferred due to its durability, natural looks, and authenticity. To put things into perspective, around 90% of our mosaics are made from marble mosaic stones.
Keep in mind that these top 10 shades of marble mosaic stones that we introduced you to are not the only ones. Each type of marble has different shades making the possibilities of creativity endless! To give you a better idea, Bahia is a type of marble mosaic stones and blue is obviously the shade of that certain marble slab.
You can explore our color chart for more shades.
Interested in discovering more about the world of marble and mosaics? Visit our blog and subscribe. Also, let us know which color and marble is your preferred style.