World Market Lava Stone Mortar and Pestle

Yes, volcanic stone requires a curing process to remove any loose stone grit from the manufacturing process. You should grind a small amount of white rice in the mortar, discarding it and repeating the process until the rice comes out clean and free of grey dust.

No, it is not dishwasher safe. You should clean it by hand using only warm water and a stiff brush; avoid using soap, as the porous nature of the lava stone can absorb the scent and flavor of the detergent.

While the porous texture is essential for effective grinding, it does require a bit more attention than smooth ceramic or marble. Simply rinse with warm water and scrub with a clean brush after each use, then allow it to air dry completely before storing.

Yes, the 6-inch diameter is perfectly sized for small batches of guacamole, pesto, or spice blends. It is compact enough to keep on your counter without taking up too much space, yet large enough to handle standard kitchen prep tasks.

Because lava stone is a natural, porous material, it essentially 'seasons' with use. As you grind oils from herbs and spices into the stone, the surface becomes smoother and more non-stick, which actually improves the tool's performance the more you use it.