Fireplaces, Heating Stoves, Flues and Chimneys - Fireplace stone support?

have a virtually flush in wall gas fireplace that has floor to ceiling tile surrounding it (by flush, i mean that the only only protrusion on the fireplace is the trim and glass that stick out about 3 inches) the tile is going to be removed and preferably,i’ll go with a natural stone product around it. (stacked slate type stuff?) the bulk of the fireplace itself backs into one of those added on extrusions on the outside of the house that hold the fireplace, chimney stack etc. the stone itself would come out about 3 inches as well and be mortared to the wall (plywood surface is the brick layers recommendation) but it’s not like this fireplace is going to be intruding into the living space fireplace (i.e. extending 2 feet into the room). the wall the tile is on is an exterior wall built onto the concrete foundation. i don’t think i should have any load bearing issues given the fireplace and stone are essentially flush with the wall compared to a fireplace stone design that extends substantially into the room. fyi, the joists underneath are 2 x 10s, 16 inches on center. based on the stone being mounted to an exterior wall which is above a concrete foundation, i shouldn’t have any load bearing concerns, right?

thanks for any thoughts.