Information about mammoth tooth and tusk
The mammoth tooth was necessary for the animal to grind plant food. Surprisingly, the ancient giant had only 4 molars on its huge jaw.
During its life, the mammal repeatedly changed teeth, according to various estimates, from 4 to 6 times.
The mammoth tusk consists of enamel and dentin. And if enamel is closer in its properties to the structure of stone, then dentin is a fairly soft tissue. These two materials alternate with each other, forming a shape resembling a grater. Light protrusions are enamel, the dark base is dentin.
The tooth has been in the ground for several thousand years, and thanks to conservation and the absence of high temperatures and oxygen, it has been well preserved. However, this did not protect it from destruction by softer organic matter. The tusk needs to be stabilized and filled with resin, since in its original form it is unsuitable for work.
Let's look at these production processes in more detail:
Stabilization is impregnation with the polymer «Cactus Juice» under vacuum processing cycles and excess pressure. This stage takes an average of 4-5 days. This process is similar to wood stabilization, but it takes more time.
At the second stage, the tusk undergoes heat treatment. The polymer composition inside hardens, and the material becomes strong, stops absorbing moisture and is no longer subject to changes due to temperature changes. Adding a dye to the composition of the product completely transforms its appearance. You can choose any color or even make it two-color!
At the next stage, we use a special substance «Alumilite resin» to fill all the voids. As a result, the tooth takes on this appearance:
The tusk material can be cut into bars and dies, which can be used to make knife handles. Large teeth are used to make blanks for standard products, while smaller diameter tusks are used to make washers of different sizes.
Bars and dies cut from a tooth to make blanks for knife handles look like this:
Mammoth tusk stabilization is carried out in a similar way.
From large tusks we make blanks for a full-size knife handle in the form of bars or dies. From smaller sizes we get washers of various diameters.
After sawing, we get fragments that are unique in their structure. Each of them is unique. Even from one tooth or tusk we can get fragments that will differ in color and structure.
Now you have more detailed knowledge about the stabilization process. You can see our full range in the relevant section «Catalog».