Agate is essentially a Shi Ying-like ore (silicon dioxide Si02) belonging to semi-precious stone classification. Formed by silicon dioxide solution invading volcanic cavities. Pharmacists realized that agate mortar has good crushing performance and wear resistance. At the same time, agate material has very smooth surface, no friction effect, avoids sample residue, does not cause cross contamination, and is better than brass or hard porcelain mortar. The processing technology of modern agate material has been improved with the application of diamond tools, while hard porcelain material has gradually lost its prominent position as the main crushing tool.

As mentioned above, agate is actually silica ore. Because it has no pollution to samples, it is widely used as a grinding tool in food, biology, medicine and other fields. Other applications, such as heavy metal detection, ave development (color change caused by friction of metal materials), preparation of paste samples and medicinal ointment.