Final answer:
Earthenware tile is the correct answer; it is known for its porous body and can be finished with a shiny or matte glaze. Such tiles are primarily used for their aesthetic appeal in interior design.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of ceramic tile with a nonvitreous body and a bright, matte, or crystalline glaze suitable for surfacing interior walls and light-duty floors is known as earthenware tile. Unlike porcelain tiles which are very dense and vitreous, earthenware tiles have a more porous body and are glazed to create a decorative surface. Typically, these tiles carry brighter glazes and are often used for their aesthetic appeal. The glaze on earthenware provides it with a range of finishes, from matte to glossy, or even with a crystalline appearance. In the context of historic and artistic mosaics, small pieces of tile, stone, or glass were artistically arranged and glued to a surface, then sealed with grout, allowing the artwork to endure for centuries. This technique was often used in creating intricate patterns, especially in mosques, and the tiles used were likely to have properties similar to earthenware for interior applications. Lusterware is another type of ceramics, which is decorated with metallic glaze to produce an iridescent effect, but unlike earthenware, it is usually not used for flooring or wall surfacing.