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From the ancient Greeks and Sumerians to the Mesopotamians and Polynesians, ceramic tiles have been an integral part of mankind's creative pursuits. These tiles have been used for several centuries to carve beautiful works of art and as unique decorative pieces. Beautiful tiles surfaces have been found in ancient ruins dating back to over 4000 years ago. Over the years, ceramic tiles have been used to depict everything from portraits of kings and emperors to historic events and abstract art.
The origin of the term 'ceramic tile' can be traced back to the ancient Greeks. The word 'ceramic' is derived from the Greek word 'keramos', which means pottery. Ceramic tiles are made from thin layers of fired clay, ergo the reference to pottery. The process of making ceramic tiles is more complex than that of normal tiles. In earlier times, wooden moulds were filled with clay and dried. After the drying process, these clay slabs were shaved flat and then fired in a kiln under high temperature, to harden the tile body and create the glazed surface. The modern day method of making ceramic tiles is a lot more advanced. Processes such as 'dust-pressing' have mechanized the art of making ceramic tiles and enabled mass production in the same.
Once the tile is made, it has little significance unless it is decorated. Over the years, various methods of decorating ceramic tiles have evolved. From plain glazed tiles and hand-painted tiles, to mosaic and tube-lined ones, each one has its own individual beauty and uniqueness. The tiles also come in a variety of shapes and sizes, depending on their utility.
Nowadays, ceramic tiles are used almost everywhere - on walls, ceilings and floors, in fireplaces, and on pavements. What makes ceramic tiles popular is their durability and resistance to most chemical and thermal reactions.
From the ancient tombs and churches to the modern day high-rises, ceramic tiles have done their little bit to add color and beauty to our everyday life.