Virtually unchanged since the stone age, the mortar and pestle is probably the oldest of all laboratory tools, helping ancient healers unleash the curing properties in plants. This mortar and pestle is made of a stunning translucent blue-grey agate. In addition to being gorgeous, agate is the finest natural material available for a grinding surface. It is virtually non-porous, so bacteria and contaminants are unable to lodge on the surface. Agate mortar and pestles are used for laboratory work where cross contamination must be avoided at all cost, and in fine kitchens grinding herbs and spices for the same reason.