Which mortar is traditionally used for crushing powders and tablets?

• A. Porcelain
• B. Glass
• C. Marble
• D. Wedgwood

Answer: (D)

Wedgwood mortars are traditionally used for crushing powders and tablets because their unglazed ceramic surface is rough and durable, providing effective grinding without introducing contaminants. The rough, inert surface helps break down hard tablets and dry powders quickly and to a finer particle size, while being less likely to shed particles than porcelain glaze or glass. Marble mortars, being a softer stone, can wear and shed minerals or absorb liquids, which is less ideal for precise powdering. Porcelain can be too smooth or may contain glaze components that could contaminate the preparation, and glass mortars can chip under heavy grinding. So the Wedgwood option offers a good balance of abrasion, inertness, and durability for dry grinding.