Mosaic Tile Sizes

The definition of mosaic tile is any tesserae that is 2" or smaller. Typically mosaic glass tiles are 2", 1", 3/4", 5/8", 3/8", and 1/2". 2" and 1" tiles are typically crystal glass, 3/4" are usually vitreous and metallic swirl, 5/8" are iridescent, 3/8" are vitreous glass or stained glass, and 1/2" are usually stained glass.

Many people wonder what they can do with such small tiles. For an artist, the possibilities are endless. I rarely use tiles whole. I usually cut them down in some way so I don't have such a symmetric piece or straight edge. I will cut them into fourths, halves, triangles, etc. This also means that an artist can integrate all sorts of tiles into one piece. By cutting them to smaller pieces, you can combine the iridescent with the vitreous or the stained glass with the metallic tiles.

There is another issue that the mosaic artist must face. Some tiles are thicker than others. This is fine if your piece is going on a wall but not okay if it is going on a floor or table top. You really have to have all tiles the same thickness or you will have a wobbly table top.

Most mosaic tiles are 4mm (vitreous, metallic, stained glass, iridescent, our AfterGlow tiles),5mm(some crystal glass), or 8mm(ceramic and crystal glass). Some stained glass is even thinner. If you are working in broken china then you have multiple thicknesses and multiple problems.

However, different tile sizes can offer you much diversity in a piece. Imagine the texture qualities that you will achieve by using the AfterGlow glass with MatrixColor Venetian glass. The smooth versus rough surface will make your crystal glass tiles pop out. Experiment with different tesserae when you can.

Just make sure that you are aware of your tile size and the desired outcome of your project before purchasing tiles. You will have a less frustrating experience this way.