A rubbing stone — called Manjal Kal in Tamil, Haldi Pathar in Hindi — is one of the oldest kitchen and pooja tools in Indian homes. It's used to grind fresh turmeric paste, sandalwood paste, almond paste, and herbs.
If you've just bought your first rubbing stone (or inherited one), this guide will show you exactly how to use it and care for it.
What Is a Rubbing Stone?
A rubbing stone is a flat or slightly concave natural stone used for grinding by rubbing a harder stone (pestle) across its surface with a small amount of water. Unlike a mortar and pestle where you grind in a bowl, a rubbing stone uses horizontal back-and-forth motion to create a smooth paste.
It comes in two common shapes:
● Rectangular (traditional, used in kitchens for turmeric and spices)
● Circular 5-inch (compact, popular for pooja and skincare use)
What Can You Grind on a Rubbing Stone?
Turmeric (Manjal / Haldi)
Fresh or dried turmeric rubbed with a few drops of water produces a fine, bright yellow paste. This is far more potent than store-bought turmeric powder and is used in cooking, skincare, and rituals.
Sandalwood (Chandan)
Sandalwood sticks rubbed on a wet stone produce the authentic chandan paste used for pooja, cooling the forehead, and natural skincare. Machine-ground sandalwood powder cannot replicate this.
Almond (Badam)
Soaked almonds ground on a rubbing stone produce a smooth, natural almond paste for face masks, baby skincare, and Ayurvedic preparations.
Other uses
● Saffron soaked in milk, then ground for milk-based desserts
● Wet grinding of fresh herbs for medicinal preparations
● Grinding small quantities of spices for immediate use
How to Season a New Rubbing Stone
Before first use, a new rubbing stone needs seasoning to remove any rough surface particles.
● Rinse the stone with clean water
● Rub the surface with a small piece of turmeric root for 2–3 minutes — this fills the pores
● Rinse again and let dry completely
● Repeat once more if the stone still feels gritty
The stone is ready to use when the surface feels smooth and the water no longer turns grey.
How to Use a Rubbing Stone — Step by Step
Step 1 — Wet the stone
Sprinkle 4–5 drops of water onto the surface of the stone. Do not flood it — just enough to create friction without the ingredient sliding around.
Step 2 — Place your ingredient
For turmeric: place a small piece (1–2 cm) of fresh or dried turmeric on the stone. For sandalwood: place the tip of the sandalwood stick on the wet surface.
Step 3 — Rub with firm, circular or back-and-forth motion
Using moderate pressure, rub the turmeric piece or sandalwood stick in firm circular or back-and-forth strokes. For the smaller circular rubbing stone, circular motion works best. Add a drop of water every minute if the surface dries out.
Step 4 — Collect the paste
After 3–5 minutes of grinding, a smooth paste will accumulate on the stone's surface. Collect it with the edge of a spoon or your finger. For pooja use, collect it with your ring finger in traditional practice.
Step 5 — Clean immediately after use
Rinse the stone with plain water and wipe dry. Do not use soap — it strips the stone's natural surface. Store in a dry place.
Tips for Best Results
● Always use fresh, raw ingredients — dry turmeric powder will not grind well
● Use cold water — warm water can make the paste too runny
● The smaller circular stone is ideal for sandalwood and pooja use; the rectangular stone suits kitchen grinding
● If grinding almonds, soak them overnight and peel before grinding
● Never let the stone sit wet — dry it after each use to prevent moss or mineral deposits
How to Clean and Store Your Rubbing Stone
Rinse with clean water after every use. Scrub gently with a natural bristle brush if residue builds up. Never use soap, detergent, or chemical cleaners — these leave residue that contaminates future grinds. Store in a cool, dry place, ideally wrapped in a cloth.
Both the rectangular and circular rubbing stones are available at twinpalmyra.com. They make beautiful and useful gifts for new brides, new mothers, and anyone interested in Ayurvedic or natural living.
