The word mosaic itself means “assortment” or “mixture”. However, mosaic is also knows as the art form in which small pieces of multicolored tiles, stone, glass and other items are used to create artistic patterns by fixing them to different surfaces, mainly floors and walls.  Mosaic patterns are used as decorative art, a part of interior decoration, or of cultural and spiritual importance as in the places of worship. Small pieces of different colors usually cubic in shape are generally preferred for creating artistic patterns or pictures.

The earliest instance of the use of mosaics made from colored pieces of shells, stones and ivory have been found at a temple in Mesopotamia, dated around 3000-2500 BCE. The first examples of the use of glazed tiles have been found at Susa and Choqa Zanbil in the present day Iran, dated from around 1500 BCE.

Single color mosaic tiles are cut into small pieces and assembled by pouring liquid plaster between them. Wide varieties of tiles are required in order to cover complex forms of the hall with consistent mosaic patterns. In modern buildings, glazed mosaic tiles are generally preferred and used in creating the mosaic patterns. However, ceramic mosaic tiles and glass mosaic tiles are also increasingly used these days.

There are three techniques of creating mosaic tile designs or mosaic patterns. In first, the direct method, the mosaic tiles pieces are directly fixed (glued) to the surface, such as walls and ceilings. The direct method is more suitable for small, transportable jobs such as vases. The main advantage of this method is that the artist can gradually view his creation as he or she progresses and can make adjustments, if required. The disadvantage of the direct method is that the artist must work directly at the chosen surface, which is often not practical for long periods. So it is considered unsuitable for large-scale projects.

In the second method, the indirect method, tiles are applied facedown to a backing paper using an adhesive, and later transferred onto walls, floors or craft projects. The indirect method is often used for very large projects or projects with repetitive elements or for areas needing site-specific shapes.

In the third method, the double indirect method, mosaic tile pieces are placed face-up on a medium (adhesive-backed paper, sticky plastic or soft lime or putty) as it will appear when installed. When the mosaic is complete, a similar medium is placed atop it. The piece is then turned over, the original underlying material is carefully removed, and the piece is installed as in the indirect method described above.