Fireplace with tile surrounding mantel...Remodel?

I'm not really sure what it's called, but there's tile surrounding the actual fireplace, under the mantel going down to the floor. The tile looks like a backsplash tile (6" x 6" white) that looks hand painted. It also looks like it was built like that from the factory. Does anyone know if someone built fireplaces like this for a direct insert...links please? I'm trying to change the whole thing to stone & am worried that removing the tile will hurt the fireplace, or can I just put plywood over the tile & move forward with redoing the fireplace. This tile feels like it's on there pretty solid. Any ideas on how I can remove it without causing any damage?