Zelij Extrapolated

On the train journey from Marrakesh to Fez, I played around with one particular pattern, adding a layer at each iteration

Drawings made of Zelij tilework

 A simple  interlocking open cross.

A slightly more complicated version. Features the 8 point star in the centre, though somewhat distorted.

Repeating 8 point star design.

A very typical zelij pattern

Zelij photographs

Wild Claims

If you search for ‘zelij tiles’ on the internet, you will keep coming across the same poorly translated sales pitch from Saint Tropez Stone:  Saint Tropez Stone Ad Feature

I have no idea if they are a reputable company with a quality product or not, and have no interest in them either, but was intrigued by their claim:

Environmental & Health benefits

* Slip resistance for improved safety on interior and exterior surfaces.
* It is made from a 100% plentiful and natural raw material that, when removed from a site, is not harmful to the landfills.
* It reduces allergies and improves indoor air quality

If anyone can explain to me how chemically inert ceramic tiling can ‘improve air quality’, then I would be most interested. Otherwise, I shall just assume they are making things up to increase sales to gullible people.

I also like the way they stuff the home page of their website with as many related keywords they can think of, like we all used to do in 1999 before Google penalised you for such things.