Ivory

Description of the word Ivory

From the elephant glossary

Ivory is a hard, white material from the tusks (traditionally from elephants) and teeth of animals, that consists mainly of dentine, one of the physical structures of teeth and tusks. The chemical structure of the teeth and tusks of mammals is the same, regardless of the species of origin. The trade in certain teeth and tusks other than elephant is well established and widespread; therefore, "ivory" can correctly be used to describe any mammalian teeth or tusks of commercial interest which are large enough to be carved or scrimshawed. (Wikipedia)

Most ivory importation has been a crime in the U.S. since 1976, and there has been an international ban on ivory trade since 1989. Ivory more than 100 years old can be legally imported and ivory obtained with a proper hunters permit can be legally imported.

Wholesale price of ivory

1990s: $100 per kilogram
2004: $200 per kilogram
2006: to $750 per kilogram
2007: to $850 per kilogram

Source: Sam Wasser

Reference list Koehl, Dan, (2021). Ivory. Elephant Encyclopedia, available online retrieved 20 September 2021 at https://www.elephant.se/index.php?id=24. (archived at the Wayback machine)

Sources used for this article is among others:

Professor Sam Wasser, director, Center for Conservation Biology, University of Washington

Links about Ivory

Categories glossary | anatomy

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