A mattock is a versatile hand tool used primarily for digging and breaking up soil. It features a long handle with a head that has two ends: one side typically has a broad blade for cutting through roots and soil, while the other side has a pointed end for breaking hard ground. This design makes it effective for gardening, landscaping, and construction tasks. Mattocks are often compared to other tools like pickaxes and shovels, but their unique shape allows for more precise work in tough terrain. They are commonly used by farmers, landscapers, and gardeners to prepare land for planting or to remove stubborn weeds and rocks.