What is ivory made of?

Ivory is a hard, creamy-white material that makes up the tusks and teeth of mammals such as elephants, walruses, and narwhals. It is composed mainly of dentine, a calcified tissue that is very similar to bone. Dentine is made up of a matrix of collagen fibers that are embedded in a mineralized substance called hydroxyapatite. The hydroxyapatite crystals are arranged in a parallel fashion, which gives ivory its characteristic strength and hardness.

The tusks of elephants are the largest and most valuable source of ivory. Elephant tusks can grow up to 3 meters (10 feet) long and weigh up to 100 kilograms (220 pounds). The tusks of walruses and narwhals are smaller, but they are also highly prized.

Ivory has been used for centuries to make a variety of objects, including jewelry, carvings, and furniture. It is also used in the production of musical instruments, such as piano keys. Ivory is a valuable material, and the illegal trade in ivory is a serious problem.