Swiss Calacatta Brick: The Ultimate Luxury Mosaic

The Swiss Calacatta Brick 11.75 x 11.75 mosaic is the gold standard for homeowners seeking a "modern-meets-timeless" aesthetic. This premium tile from the Elysium Jewel Collection blends the organic beauty of Calacatta-look limestone with the luminous depth of crackle glass. Whether you are renovating a kitchen backsplash or designing a spa-like shower, this tile offers a textured, high-end finish that reflects light and adds architectural interest to any room.

Key Product Highlights:

• Dimensions: 11.75" x 11.75" (0.96 sq. ft. per sheet)

• Materials: Natural Limestone & Crackle Glass

• Pattern: Classic $1\times 2$ Brick / Subway Offset

• Ideal For: Kitchen backsplashes, accent walls, and bathroom vertical surfaces.

🛠️ Maintenance & Care Tips

Because this mosaic contains natural stone and glass, it requires specific care to maintain its "just-installed" glow.

1. Initial Sealing is Mandatory: Natural stone is porous. Apply a high-quality penetrating sealer (like 511 Impregnator) before and after grouting to prevent staining and moisture absorption, especially in kitchen and shower areas.

2. Use pH-Neutral Cleaners: Never use vinegar, bleach, or ammonia. These acidic/alkaline substances can etch the stone and dull the crackle glass. Use a dedicated stone or tile cleaner.

3. Avoid Abrasive Tools: Do not use steel wool or scouring pads. A soft microfiber cloth or a non-scratch sponge is all you need to wipe away grease or soap scum.

4. Dry After Cleaning: To prevent water spots on the glass segments, buff the surface dry with a clean, lint-free cloth after cleaning.

5. Periodic Resealing: Depending on usage, reseal the stone every 1–2 years to ensure the limestone remains protected from oils and pigments.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can Swiss Calacatta Brick be used on shower floors? A: No. This tile is rated for interior wall use only. The glass components can be slippery when wet and may chip under the concentrated pressure of foot traffic.

Q: What color grout is recommended for this tile? A: Most designers recommend Bostik Dimension Opal (H610) or a translucent "diamond" grout. These grouts contain glass beads that complement the crackle glass in the tile rather than hiding it.

Q: Is the "crackle" in the glass a defect? A: Not at all! The crackle effect is a deliberate manufacturing process where the glass is heat-treated to create internal fissures. This gives the tile its unique, reflective "jewel" appearance.

Q: Do I need to "back-butter" these tiles during installation? A: Yes. Because the glass is translucent, "back-buttering" (applying a thin layer of mortar to the back of the tile sheet) ensures a uniform color and prevents the comb marks of the trowel from showing through the glass.

Q: Does it look like real Calacatta marble? A: Yes. The stone pieces are selected to mimic the creamy white base and soft grey/gold veining of Italian Calacatta marble, providing a luxury look at a more accessible price point than solid marble slabs.