Crossword Genius

Like tiny particles of mosaic, but different (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

subatomic

'like tiny particles' is the definition.
(like subatomic particles)

'mosaic but different' is the wordplay.
'different' indicates an anagram.
'mosaic'+'but'='mosaicbut'
'mosaicbut' anagrammed gives 'SUBATOMIC'.

'of' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for subatomic that I've seen before include "Of smaller than elementary particles" , "Smaller than a basic particle of matter" , "Like 9 across" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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