Mosaic pieces are small pieces of material, such as glass, stone, or ceramic, that are used to create a larger image. The most common types of mosaic pieces are smalti, inlays, tesserae, TILES, and insets. Smalti are usually made from glass and come in a variety of colors and sizes. Inlays are pieces of stone, marble, or other materials that are cut into shapes and placed into the mosaic. Tesserae are small cubes of glass, stone, or ceramic that are used to create intricate patterns. TILES are flat pieces of stone, ceramic, or glass that are used to create a smooth surface. Insets are pieces of material that are placed into the mosaic to create a 3D effect.