Can you use natural stone tile (such as slate) to create a broken tile mosaic?

Answer 1

Don't see why not, if it is flat on one side so you can cement it down. From Bob Vila:

"Before you cement the tiles in place, you have to prepare the tiles for the mosaic sections. How do you do that? This is where you can get some aggression out. Take a mix of tiles, wrap them in a towel, take a hammer and give them a good whack. This is the simplest way to get the broken pieces of tile you'll need for the mosaic sections. For the border mosaics we're going to need some smaller pieces of tile. For the smaller pieces you use a tile nibbler to break off pieces the size you need.

To cement the tiles in place, use mortar which you can buy at any tile store. You just trowel the mortar on about 1/8th inch thick. Then use the edge of the trowel to score the mortar. Then just put your tiles in place. For the mosaic sections you use the same process. Take the different pieces of tile and arrange them however you like. Try and keep the spaces between the tiles to 1/8th of an inch."

Hope this helps! Good luck.

Answer 2

Yes, you can use just about anything in mosaic, but I would get a stone sealer and seal the peices before you glue them in place and after you grout. Depending on where this mosaic is going to end up, this will keep the peices from staining. Like if you use them to make mosaic bird bath and you don't seal the stone tiles, they will absorb any stains, mildew, mold, etc. So, seal em. You can find stone sealer at a lowes, or home depot, or local tile store.