comminution

thumb|Mineral crusher (left) used in 19th century [[Cornwall for comminution of tin ore; driven by water mill (right)]]

Comminution is the reduction of solid materials from one average particle size to a smaller average particle size, by crushing, grinding, cutting, vibrating, or other processes. Comminution is related to pulverization and grinding. All use mechanical devices, and many types of mills have been invented. Concomitant with size reduction, comminution increases the surface area of the solid.