Refined versions of the original mortar and pestle are used in kitchens all over the world 

to prepare pastes and sauces. They are also used for grinding herbs and spices. 

This is an ancient device which was originally used for grinding grain. The grain 

was placed in a shallow depression in a stone, the mortar, and 

then pounded with a stone, the pestle.  

Marble Mortar and Pestle

    The tip of the pestle is unpolished making it perfect for effectively crushing or grinding spices and herbs. Guacamole and Pesto are often made in large mortars. I keep this item sitting out on the counter to use for grinding oregano, basil or rosemary. I also use it for grinding peppercorns. You can make herbal salts by adding your favorite herbs to sea salt. 

Authentic Mexican Volcanic Rock "Molcajete" 
Mortar and Pestle

Mexican Molcajete

Recipe for Pesto using a Mortar & Pestle

Article on Making Pesto by Hand

Mexican Molcajete	Designer Mortar and Pestle
Bronze from France	Brass from Egypt