What is grindstone mill?

A grindstone mill is a tool used to grind grains, such as corn or wheat, into flour or meal. The mill consists of two large, circular stones, or grindstones, which are usually made of granite or other hard stone. The bottom stone is stationary and the top stone is rotated by a handle or a water-powered mechanism. The grains are fed between the stones and crushed or ground into a fine powder.

Grindstone mills have been used since ancient times and are still used today in some parts of the world. They were commonly used in rural areas for grinding grains for bread-making. In the United States, they were used extensively during the 19th century to produce flour for commercial bakeries.

Grindstone mills are often associated with water-powered systems, such as water wheels or turbines, which provide the rotational power needed to turn the top stone. Some mills were also powered by animals, such as horses or oxen, which turned a large gear to rotate the top stone.

Today, grindstone mills are mostly used for grinding specialty grains, such as spelt or rye, and are often found at small-scale artisanal bakeries or at home for personal use. They are valued for their ability to produce high-quality, fresh flour that retains the natural oils and nutrients of the grains.