What are the basic ingredients in masonry mortar?

Masonry mortar is composed of one or more cementitious materials (such as masonry cement),fine sand and sufficient water to produce a workable mixture. Most mortars are by volume 1 part cementitious material to 2 1/4 – 3 1/2 parts sand. Mortar bonds to masonry units such as brick and block. It must have good workability, as well as water retention. Mortar also needs to have a consistent rate of hardening. The cementitious material may be portland cement, a portland cement/lime mixture, masonry cement, or one or more combinations of these materials. ... more