Product Overview

MSI Greecian White 2" Octagon with Black 5/8" × 5/8" Polished Marble Mosaic Tile presents the enduring octagon-and-dot pattern in genuine natural marble. Cool white octagons with soft gray mineral movement are punctuated by polished black square accents, creating crisp contrast and a tailored architectural rhythm.

Mounted on an approximately 12" × 12" mesh sheet, this classic pattern brings timeless character to kitchen backsplashes, vanity walls, shower surrounds, fireplace façades, countertops, and suitable residential floors.

Its polished finish adds depth and reflectivity to the contrasting stones, complementing traditional, Art Deco, Parisian, vintage, and refined contemporary interiors.

Technical Specifications

MSI confirms the polished marble construction, 2-inch octagons, 5/8-inch black accents, 12-inch mesh mounting, and application approvals. Official MSI specifications

Recommended Applications

• Kitchen Backsplashes: Creates a classic black-and-white geometric surface behind ranges, sinks, and beverage stations.

• Bathroom and Vanity Walls: Adds tailored contrast behind mirrors, vanities, sconces, and freestanding tubs.

• Shower Walls and Niches: Suitable over a complete approved waterproofing system using white natural-stone mortar.

• Residential Bathroom Floors: MSI approves the product for residential flooring where polished marble’s traction and maintenance requirements are appropriate.

• Powder Rooms and Foyers: The octagon-and-dot pattern brings historic character to small statement floors and entry features.

• Fireplace Façades: Creates an elegant marble surround outside required heat-clearance zones.

• Countertops: MSI approves residential and commercial countertop use, although grout maintenance and marble’s vulnerability to acidic etching should be considered.

• Shower-Floor Caution: No wet DCOF value is published. Confirm polished-marble suitability with the installer and applicable local requirements before using it on a shower floor.

Installation & Handling Guidelines

⚠️ IMPORTANT: WHITE AND BLACK MARBLE INSTALLATION

This mosaic combines light white marble with dark black accents. Mortar, grout, and sealer should be tested on spare material to prevent discoloration, shadowing, scratching, or pigment transfer.

• Inspect Before Installation: Examine all sheets for finish, color, spacing, chips, cracks, and damage before setting. Installation constitutes acceptance.

• Dry-Lay and Blend: Open several cartons and arrange the sheets in advance to distribute variations in the white marble’s background and gray movement.

• White Mortar: Use a premium white polymer-modified mortar approved for natural marble and the intended installation environment.

• Substrate Preparation: Install over a clean, flat, stable substrate. Mosaic sheets will follow substrate irregularities rather than concealing them.

• Trowel Selection: Use a small-notched trowel appropriate for the mosaic thickness. Flatten prominent mortar ridges before placing the sheets.

• Mortar Coverage: Obtain full, uniform support beneath the white octagons and smaller black inserts, particularly in floor and wet-area installations.

• Sheet Alignment: Check the spacing between adjacent sheets against the spacing within each sheet. Adjust individual perimeter pieces to prevent visible sheet outlines.

• Embedding: Use a clean grout float or padded beating block to press the sheets evenly into the mortar.

• Pre-Sealing: Apply a penetrating natural-stone sealer before grouting when recommended by the sealer manufacturer. Test the sealer on both white and black marble.

• Grout Selection: Use unsanded grout or a fine-aggregate grout confirmed safe for polished marble. Test for scratching, staining, and picture-frame discoloration.

• Grout Color: Warm white or pale gray provides definition while reducing the maintenance concerns associated with bright-white grout. Dark grout must be tested carefully because pigment may stain the white marble.

• Wet-Area Waterproofing: Install shower applications over a complete approved waterproofing and drainage system. Sealer does not replace waterproofing.

• Movement Accommodation: Provide perimeter and field movement joints according to TCNA EJ171 and applicable construction requirements.

• Cutting Safety: Wet-cut with a clean continuous-rim diamond blade designed for marble. Never dry-cut or grind because fabrication releases hazardous respirable crystalline-silica dust.

• Order Allowance: Add approximately 10–15% for cuts, pattern alignment, natural variation, breakage, and future repairs.

Care & Maintenance

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

• Avoid vinegar, lemon, acidic bathroom cleaners, bleach, abrasive powders, and aggressive scrubbing pads.

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

• Use microfiber cloths, soft sponges, or non-abrasive brushes.

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

• Expect polished marble flooring to develop a natural patina in frequently walked or cleaned areas.

Design Profile

• Aesthetic Character: Art Deco, Edwardian, Parisian classic, vintage bistro, transitional, and tailored contemporary.

• Pattern Character: Cool-white marble octagons punctuated by petite black square accents.

• Visual Advantage: The black dots define the geometry without overwhelming the natural movement of the white marble.

• Complementary Materials: White oak, walnut, black granite, white quartz, lacquered cabinetry, and traditional millwork.

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

• Suggested Grout Colors: Warm white, pale gray, or soft silver. Test dark grout before installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this genuine natural marble?

Yes. MSI identifies both the white octagons and contrasting accents as natural marble.

What size are the pattern pieces?

The primary white pieces are nominal 2-inch octagons, while the black accent squares measure approximately 5/8" × 5/8".

Is the mosaic polished or honed?

This product has a smooth polished finish.

Does “Greecian White” mean it was quarried in Greece?

Not necessarily. Greecian White is MSI’s collection name. A current distributor identifies the finished mosaic’s country of manufacture as China.

Can it be installed on residential floors?

Yes. MSI approves it for residential flooring. It is not approved by MSI for commercial floors.

Can it be installed on shower walls?

Yes, when installed over an approved waterproofing system with white natural-stone mortar, marble-safe grout, movement joints, and suitable sealing.

Can it be used on a shower floor?

No wet DCOF value is published, and the surface is polished. Confirm suitability with the installer and local slip-resistance requirements before specifying it for a shower floor.

Does it require sealing?

Yes. Apply a penetrating sealer approved for polished marble before grouting and reseal periodically based on exposure.

Will every sheet look identical?

No. Differences in background tone, gray movement, mineral markings, and crystal structure are inherent characteristics of natural marble.