Mortar (bowl) and pestle (grinding club) are used in the laboratory during sample prep for the
milling and grinding of substances (i.e., plant tissue, animal tissue, and solid chemical
compounds) into fine powders or slurries.
Procedure
1. Place your sample in the mortar and hold it in place with one hand, fill the mortar no more
than 1/3 full.
2. Hold the pestle firmly in your hand.
3. Press the rounded end of the pestle down onto the ingredients and roll it against the mortar
while applying firm pressure.
4. Grind until you've reached the desired consistency.
Maintenance

To ensure all sample remnants are removed after use, rinse the mortar and pestle with
water then add 10% Bleach and grind as you would a sample. The mortar and pestle can
then be washed following the same procedure as you would glassware.

If sterility is required, the mortar and pestle can be autoclaved in a sterilization pouch for
15min at 121°.
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