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About This Card

The 1997 Magic: The Gathering Tempest artifact Grindstone (Card #290). This rare card is a cornerstone of mill strategies and vintage TCG collecting.

Grindstone

1997 • Magic: The Gathering • Tempest

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Market Value
Raw/Ungraded Market: $13.74
Updated 5 days ago
Based on TCGplayer Market (reference)Check Price Guide

Market & Price History

  • $13.74
    Source
    Guide Estimate
    Trend
    -1.3%
    Price Details

30-day Price History

Raw / Ungraded

TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Nov 6, 2026

Each point is the last stored observation that day for this printing, condition, grader, autograph status and source. Gaps mean no observation; guide estimates and asking prices are not completed sales.
Product Overview

Description

Released in 1997 as part of the Tempest expansion, Grindstone is a single-mana artifact that fundamentally altered gameplay dynamics by introducing the mill strategy to Magic: The Gathering. As card number 290 in the set, it represents a pivotal moment in the game's history where players discovered the power of discarding opponents' libraries rather than reducing their life total directly. The strategic potential of Grindstone lies in its ability to force target players to mill cards from the top of their libraries. When two cards of the same color are discarded in this process, the effect repeats, creating a snowballing impact that can quickly deplete an opponent's resources. This mechanic introduced a new layer of complexity to deck building and gameplay, encouraging players to consider card advantage and library manipulation in ways previously unseen. The flavor text, referencing the character Crovax, adds a narrative element that resonates with the game's rich lore, enhancing the card's appeal beyond its mechanical utility. For collectors, Grindstone is a sought-after piece of Magic: The Gathering history. Its rarity within the Tempest set makes it a valuable addition to any vintage collection. The card's enduring legacy is evident in its continued relevance in various formats and its status as a key component in many competitive decks. Whether you are a seasoned player looking to complete a set or a new collector interested in the evolution of Magic: The Gathering, Grindstone offers a tangible connection to the game's past and its ongoing innovation., you can find this iconic card among a diverse selection of trading card game collectibles, ensuring that every enthusiast has the opportunity to own a piece of this legendary artifact.

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Product Specs

Card Details

The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.

Catalog Profile

The core identity of the card within the set.

Year

1997

Series

Tempest

Card Number

#290

Featured Subject

The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.

Featured

Grindstone

Game

Magic: The Gathering

TCG Attributes

Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.

Rarity

Rare

Artist

Greg Simanson

Material

Card Stock

Language

English

Mana cost

{1}

Type

Artifact

Card Text

Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.

{3}, {T}: Target player mills two cards. If two cards that share a color were milled this way, repeat this process.

"Memory is a burden that wears at the soul as weather wears at stone." —Crovax

Magic: The Gathering and related names, images, symbols, and marks are trademarks or copyrights of Wizards of the Coast LLC. SuperCatch is an independent marketplace and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Wizards of the Coast. Some Magic reference content is unofficial Fan Content under the Wizards of the Coast Fan Content Policy. Full attribution.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mill strategy in Magic: The Gathering?

The mill strategy involves forcing an opponent to discard cards from the top of their library until they run out, resulting in a loss. Grindstone is one of the most iconic cards associated with this approach, as it can rapidly deplete an opponent's resources by milling multiple cards at once.

Why is Grindstone considered a rare card?

Grindstone is classified as a Rare card within the Tempest expansion, which means it appears less frequently in booster packs compared to Common or Uncommon cards. This lower print rate contributes to its scarcity and value among collectors.

Who illustrated the artwork for Grindstone?

The artwork for Grindstone was created by Greg Simanson, who is known for his distinctive style in Magic: The Gathering card illustrations. His contribution to the Tempest set helped define the visual identity of the era.

Cards Named Grindstone

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