Product Overview

MSI Medici Gold Pattern Stone & Metal Mosaic Tile combines cool, multi-tonal natural stone with radiant gold-colored metal accents in an intricate geometric composition. Part of MSI’s Luxor Collection, the pattern uses multiple smaller shapes to form interlocking hexagons outlined by metallic detail.

The contrast between softly colored stone and reflective gold metal gives the mosaic dimension without relying on bold color. Its multi-finish surface changes subtly as light moves across it, making Medici Gold an elegant choice for kitchen backsplashes, vanity walls, powder rooms, feature walls, countertops, fireplace surrounds, and other decorative interior surfaces.

Technical Specifications

Recommended Applications

• Kitchen Backsplashes: The combination of warm-white stone and gold metal creates an elegant focal point behind ranges, sinks, and cabinetry.

• Vanity and Powder-Room Walls: Adds refined metallic detail behind mirrors, wall-mounted lighting, and bathroom vanities.

• Decorative Bathroom Walls: Suitable for appropriate interior bathroom walls when installed with products compatible with both stone and metal.

• Feature Walls: Creates a sophisticated geometric surface in dining rooms, foyers, reception areas, boutiques, and hospitality interiors.

• Fireplace Surrounds: May be used as a decorative finish over an approved noncombustible assembly that complies with fireplace-manufacturer clearances.

• Countertops and Bar Fronts: MSI approves the product for residential and commercial countertop applications, although the metal components require protection from scratching and harsh chemicals.

• Decorative Residential Floors: MSI lists residential floor use; however, the metal accents and mixed surface make it most appropriate for low-traffic decorative installations.

Application limitation: MSI does not approve Medici Gold for commercial flooring. Do not specify it for pools, fountains, exterior submerged surfaces, or other continuously immersed applications without written manufacturer approval.

Installation and Handling Guidelines

⚠️ IMPORTANT: MIXED STONE AND METAL INSTALLATION

Medici Gold combines porous natural stone with finished metal. Mortar, grout, sealer, cleaners, and cutting methods must be compatible with both materials.

• Inspect Before Installation: Examine every sheet for color, finish, metal condition, pattern alignment, and damage before applying mortar.

• Dry-Lay the Pattern: Arrange multiple sheets before installation to confirm geometric alignment and distribute natural stone variation evenly.

• Approved Substrate: Install over a clean, flat, rigid, and properly prepared surface. Irregular substrates may distort the repeating hexagonal pattern.

• Mortar Selection: Use a premium white polymer-modified mortar approved for natural stone, metal mosaics, and the intended installation environment.

• Avoid Gray Mortar: Dark setting material may shadow through or alter the appearance of the light-colored stone.

• Mortar Application: Use a small-notched trowel appropriate for an 8 mm mosaic. Flatten the mortar ridges before placing the sheets and prevent excess mortar from filling the joints.

• Sheet Alignment: Match the space between neighboring sheets to the joints within each sheet. Adjust individual perimeter pieces where necessary to prevent visible sheet outlines.

• Embed Evenly: Press sheets into place with a clean grout float or padded beating block. Avoid scratching or denting the gold metal accents.

• Grout Selection: Use unsanded grout or a fine-aggregate grout specifically approved for natural stone and finished metal. Test it on spare material before installation.

• Avoid Abrasive Grout: Coarse aggregate can scratch the stone surface and permanently damage the metallic components.

• Pre-Sealing: Apply a penetrating sealer to the natural-stone components when appropriate. Test first and prevent sealer residue from drying on the metal.

• Grout Cleanup: Remove grout residue promptly using clean water, soft sponges, and non-abrasive tools. Do not allow grout haze to harden on the gold accents.

• Cutting: Use a professional wet-cutting system and blade appropriate for stone-and-metal mosaics. Wear eye protection and observe silica-safety requirements.

• Movement Accommodation: Use flexible sealant at perimeters, changes of plane, inside corners, and other required movement locations.

• Order Allowance: Purchase approximately 10–15% additional material for cuts, geometric alignment, breakage, and future repairs.

Wet-Area Considerations

Although MSI approves Medici Gold for bathroom walls, metal components require more careful evaluation in continuously wet or chemically aggressive environments.

Before installing inside a shower, steam shower, or other frequently saturated area, confirm the application with MSI, the installer, and the setting-material manufacturer. Avoid continuous immersion and prolonged exposure to standing water.

Sealant, grout, and cleaning products must not contain ingredients that can corrode, discolor, or dull the gold-colored metal.

Floor and Countertop Considerations

MSI approves Medici Gold for residential floors and residential or commercial countertops. However, practical suitability depends on the installation environment.

• Reserve floor use for low-traffic decorative areas where scratching and abrasion can be controlled.

• Do not use it on commercial floors.

• Protect countertop installations from knives, abrasive cookware, strongly acidic spills, and harsh cleaning chemicals.

• Do not assume that the mosaic is slip-rated; no published DCOF value has been identified.

Care and Maintenance

• Clean with warm water and a neutral-pH cleaner approved for both natural stone and finished metal.

• Never use vinegar, lemon, acidic bathroom cleaners, abrasive powders, steel wool, or harsh scouring pads.

• Avoid bleach, ammonia, and strong alkaline cleaners unless the product manufacturer confirms compatibility.

• Wipe spills promptly, especially citrus, wine, coffee, oils, cosmetics, and cleaning chemicals.

• Dry metal accents after cleaning to reduce spotting and mineral deposits.

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

• Periodically reseal the natural-stone portions according to exposure and the sealer manufacturer’s recommendations.

• Do not apply metal polish, wax, or enhancing stone sealer without testing it on spare material.

Natural and Manufactured Variation

The natural-stone components may vary in background tone, veining, mineral markings, and texture. The metallic elements may also display minor differences in reflectivity or surface character.

Inspect and blend sheets from multiple cartons before installation. View the arranged material under the project’s actual lighting because directional and warm lighting can significantly change the appearance of the gold accents.

These variations contribute to the intended character of the mixed-material mosaic and are not necessarily manufacturing defects.

Design Profile

• Aesthetic Inspiration: Art Deco geometry, modern classic interiors, contemporary glamour, and boutique-hotel luxury.

• Pattern Character: Small geometric pieces converge into interlocking hexagons accented by narrow gold-colored metal lines.

• Color Character: Warm white and cool neutral stone with reflective gold detailing.

• Visual Advantage: Matte and reflective surfaces respond differently to light, giving the pattern greater depth and dimension.

• Complementary Materials: White oak, walnut, creamy quartz, Calacatta-style surfaces, clear glass, and warm plaster.

• Complementary Metals: Brushed brass, champagne bronze, antique gold, polished nickel, and warm stainless steel.

• Suggested Grout Colors: Warm white or ivory creates a unified appearance, while pale gray defines the geometric pattern more clearly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials are used in Medici Gold?

MSI identifies Medici Gold as a mixed mosaic made from natural stone and gold-colored metal accents.

Is Medici Gold a slate or quartzite mosaic?

No. It should not be described as a tumbled slate-and-quartzite product. MSI classifies it as a stone-and-metal blend.

What is the pattern?

The mosaic uses several smaller geometric shapes to form an interlocking hexagonal composition outlined with gold-colored metal.

What is the manufacturer item number?

The MSI item number is SMOT-SMTL-MEDGOL8MM.

How large is each sheet?

Each mesh-mounted sheet measures approximately 10.83" x 12.44" and covers approximately 0.94 sq. ft.

How thick is the mosaic?

The nominal thickness is 8 mm.

Can it be installed on a kitchen backsplash?

Yes. Kitchen backsplashes are one of MSI’s primary recommended applications.

Can it be installed on a shower wall?

It may be considered for appropriate bathroom walls, but the stone-and-metal composition requires compatible installation products and careful wet-area evaluation. Confirm direct shower use before installation.

Can it be installed on a floor?

MSI approves residential floor use but not commercial flooring. Because metal can scratch and no DCOF rating is published, use it only in appropriate low-traffic decorative locations.

Can it be installed on a countertop?

Yes. MSI approves residential and commercial countertop use. Protect the surface from abrasion, acidic spills, and harsh chemicals.

Does Medici Gold require sealing?

The natural-stone components may benefit from a penetrating sealer. Test the sealer first and prevent residue from drying on the metal accents.

Can sanded grout be used?

Coarse sanded grout may scratch both the stone and metal. Use unsanded or compatible fine-aggregate grout after testing it on spare material.