Product Overview

MSI Angora 12" x 12" Polished Marble Basketweave Mosaic Tile combines classical geometry with the subtle tonal movement of genuine natural stone. Its interlocking basketweave pattern blends cool gray, warm beige, cream, and soft white marble tones, creating an elegant surface with visual depth and timeless character.

The polished finish enhances the marble’s natural veining and reflects ambient light, while the mesh-mounted construction helps maintain the intricate pattern during installation. Angora Basketweave is an excellent choice for kitchen backsplashes, bathroom walls, shower surrounds, fireplace features, entry floors, and decorative countertop installations.

Technical Specifications

Recommended Applications

• Kitchen Backsplashes: Creates an elegant patterned surface behind ranges, sinks, bars, and beverage stations.

• Bathroom and Vanity Walls: Adds polished natural-stone detail behind mirrors, vanities, and freestanding tubs.

• Shower Walls and Niches: Suitable over an approved waterproofing system using white mortar formulated for natural marble.

• Residential Entry and Bathroom Floors: The small-format basketweave pattern provides traditional architectural character in appropriate interior floor installations.

• Fireplace Features: Suitable for decorative fireplace surrounds when installed over an approved substrate and within required fireplace clearances.

• Countertops and Decorative Insets: Can be used on approved residential or commercial countertop surfaces, borders, and framed accent areas.

Installation and Handling Guidelines

⚠️ IMPORTANT: USE WHITE NATURAL-STONE MORTAR

Angora is light-colored natural marble. Gray mortar may shadow through the stone or alter its appearance.

• Dry-Lay Before Installation: Arrange sheets from several cartons to balance cool gray, warm beige, cream, and white pieces throughout the installation.

• Inspect Sheet Alignment: Test-fit adjoining sheets and adjust individual pieces along the edges to prevent visible sheet outlines.

• Prepare the Substrate: Install over a clean, flat, stable substrate. Shower installations require a complete approved waterproofing system.

• Mortar Selection: Use a premium white polymer-modified mortar meeting ANSI A118.4 or A118.15 and approved for natural-stone mosaics.

• Mortar Coverage: Flatten mortar ridges before setting the mosaic and obtain at least 95% coverage in shower and wet-area installations.

• Pre-Sealing: Apply a penetrating sealer approved for polished marble before grouting. Test the product on a spare sheet first.

• Grout Selection: Use unsanded grout or a fine-aggregate grout specifically approved for polished marble. Test it first to confirm that it will not scratch or discolor the stone.

• Grout Color: Warm white, ivory, beige, or pale gray grout complements the blended marble palette without overpowering the basketweave pattern.

• Wet-Floor Caution: No published DCOF rating is available. Confirm local slip-resistance requirements before using polished marble on a shower floor or other frequently wet walking surface.

• Movement Accommodation: Include perimeter and field movement joints following TCNA EJ171 and applicable construction requirements.

• Cutting Safety: Wet-cut with a clean diamond blade designed for marble. Do not dry-cut or grind because airborne crystalline-silica dust can cause serious respiratory harm.

• Order Allowance: Add approximately 10–15% for cutting, pattern alignment, natural-stone selection, breakage, and future repairs.

Care and Maintenance

• Clean with warm water and a neutral-pH cleaner formulated for natural marble.

• Avoid vinegar, lemon, acidic bathroom cleaners, bleach, abrasive powders, and harsh alkaline products.

• Wipe up oils, cosmetics, wine, citrus, and strongly pigmented liquids promptly.

• Use soft cloths, microfiber pads, or non-abrasive brushes to protect the polished finish.

• Reseal periodically according to exposure, use, and the sealer manufacturer’s recommendations.

• Use mats or protective pads in floor and countertop installations to reduce scratching and etching.

Natural Stone Variation

Angora is genuine marble. Differences in background color, veining, mineral markings, and tonal intensity are inherent characteristics of the stone rather than manufacturing defects.

Inspect all material before installation and blend sheets from multiple cartons. Claims relating to natural variation generally cannot be made after the material has been installed.

Design Profile

• Aesthetic Inspiration: Traditional luxury, transitional interiors, vintage glamour, European classic, and boutique hospitality.

• Color Character: Warm white and cream blended with cool gray and soft beige.

• Pattern Character: Interlocking rectangular pieces arranged in a traditional woven composition.

• Visual Advantage: The polished finish reflects light while the small-scale pattern adds detail and movement.

• Complementary Materials: White oak, walnut, creamy quartz, Calacatta marble, clear glass, and painted cabinetry.

• Complementary Metals: Polished nickel, brushed brass, champagne bronze, chrome, and matte black.

• Suggested Grout Colors: Warm white creates a unified appearance, while pale gray or light beige provides greater pattern definition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MSI Angora Basketweave made from natural marble?

Yes. MSI identifies this mosaic as genuine natural marble featuring a blend of cool gray and warm beige tones.

What is the manufacturer’s SKU?

The MSI item number is SMOT-ANGORA-BWP10MM.

How large is each mosaic sheet?

Each mesh-mounted sheet is nominally 12" x 12" and represents approximately one square foot.

Does Angora marble require sealing?

Yes. Apply a penetrating sealer approved for polished marble before grouting and reseal periodically according to use and exposure.

Can this mosaic be installed on shower walls?

Yes. It is suitable for shower surrounds when installed over an approved waterproofing system using white natural-stone mortar.

Can it be used on a shower floor?

A project-specific evaluation is required. MSI permits residential floor use, but no DCOF value is published, and polished marble can become slippery when wet.

Can it be used on commercial floors?

No. MSI lists commercial flooring as an unsupported application. Commercial wall and countertop installations are permitted.

Will every sheet look exactly the same?

No. Differences in color, veining, and mineral markings are expected in natural marble. Blend sheets from several cartons before installation.