Crushing the rocks with mortar and pestle

The use of a mortar and pestle can significantly expedite the process of crushing rocks for village miners. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make the most out of this method:

1. Choose a larger mortar and pestle that can handle multiple rocks at once. This will allow you to crush a larger quantity of rocks in a shorter amount of time.

2. Before crushing the rocks, it is recommended to first classify the mineral sizes using a sifter or sieve. This will help separate the bigger rocks from the smaller particles, making the crushing process more efficient.

3. After classifying the mineral sizes, use a gold pan to further separate the particles. The gold pan works by allowing the heavier particles to settle at the bottom while the lighter materials are washed away.

4. Prior to crushing, ensure that both the mortar and pestle, as well as the gold pans and any basins, are thoroughly washed. This step is crucial to prevent any contamination or interference with the results, referred to as “salting.”

By following these steps, village miners can crush rocks faster and get closer to extracting valuable minerals.