Millstone

Millstone Anatomy

Millstones

Greenwich CT millstone

Olive oil press at Saba Habib in Israel

Holgate Windmill millstones - 2011-12-26

156 Musée préhistoire Penmarc'h

Millstone refers to a large, flat stone used for grinding grain into flour. Historically, millstones have been an essential part of windmills and watermills, playing a crucial role in the production of food. They work in pairs, with a stationary base stone, called the bedstone, and an upper, mobile stone, called the runner stone. The grain is fed through a hole in the center of the runner stone, moves outward by centrifugal force, and is ground between the stones into flour. The operation of millstones is a complex process that involves the adjustment of the stones’ distance to control the fineness of the flour.

History

The use of millstones dates back to the Neolithic Era, as evidenced by archaeological findings. The technology evolved from simple hand-operated devices to more complex mechanisms powered by animals, water, or wind. The Roman Empire saw significant advancements in millstone technology with the introduction of the rotary mill, which greatly increased efficiency and output. Throughout the Middle Ages, millstones became increasingly sophisticated, with improvements in the design and materials used, such as the introduction of French burr stones, which were considered superior for their hard, composite material that allowed for finer grinding.

Types of Millstones

Millstones come in various types, each suited to specific grinding needs. The most common types include:

- Burr stones: Made from high-quality quartz, burr stones are known for their durability and ability to produce very fine flour. - Peak stones: Made from a type of sandstone, these were used for grinding less refined flour. - French burr stones: Highly prized for milling wheat into fine flour; these stones were often imported from France.

Manufacturing and Maintenance

The manufacturing of millstones involves shaping the stone to a specific diameter, chiseling the face to create a pattern that helps with the grinding process, and cutting a hole in the center. The patterns on the grinding faces of the stones are crucial for moving the grain outward and for grinding it as they rotate against each other. Regular maintenance of millstones is necessary to ensure efficient operation. This includes dressing (sharpening) the grinding surfaces to maintain their pattern and cleaning to prevent clogging with flour.

Cultural Significance

Millstones have held significant cultural and economic importance throughout history. They are often mentioned in historical texts, symbolizing sustenance and the hard work associated with producing food. In some cultures, millstones represent various metaphors and proverbs, indicating their integral role in daily life.

Modern Use

With the advent of modern milling technology, the use of traditional millstones has declined. However, they are still used in artisanal milling operations where there is a preference for the traditional methods and flavors they produce. Additionally, millstones have found a new life as historical artifacts, garden decorations, and in educational settings where they serve as a link to our agricultural past.