Final answer:
Ceramic, granite, terracotta, and marble tiles are versatile materials used for kitchen backsplashes and fireplace surrounds, also applied in mosaic art to create durable and decorative patterns on various surfaces.
Step-by-step explanation:
Interchangeable tiles, such as ceramic, granite, terracotta, and marble, are some of the many materials that can be used for kitchen backsplashes and fireplace surrounds. These materials can also be incorporated into the creation of mosaics, a decorative art form that utilizes small pieces of these materials, known as tesserae, to compose detailed and lasting images or patterns. Mosaics have been used historically by many cultures, including Romans and Byzantines, to adorn surfaces such as walls, ceilings, and floors.
Ceramic tiles are known for their durability and variety of designs, making them a popular choice for kitchen backsplashes. Meanwhile, granite, being a silicate material, adds a luxurious touch and is prized for its natural beauty and strength. Terracotta tiles offer a rustic look with their 'baked earth' characteristics, and marble tiles bring classic elegance, often used in grander designs.