Fireplace: Tile or Brick?

Building a fireplace and would like to cover the exterior with ceramic tile as I have seen in many photos. The fireplace will be lined with firebrick of course and then one course of common brick which I would like to cover with the tile. They're telling me here that regular ceramic floor tiles won't stand up to the heat even through a layer of firebrick and another of common brick. They sell a firebrick like tile that can be glazed and are promoting that instead. I haven't priced it yet but have a strong suspicion it's costly stuff. What's the take out there on this issue?