Besides the cutting edge of a knife, the most primitive tool commonly used to prepare food is the mortar and pestle. Grinding nuts, spices and herbs assures fresher and more aromatic results. Marble is the preferred material due to its relatively nonporous surface texture. The inside of this gray marble mortar and pestle is fairly smooth but left unpolished to permit the necessary friction. It has a matte finish, is 4-3/4" in diameter and stands 4-1/2" tall. For best results, fill only halfway to avoid overflowing.