Mineral composition, physical and mechanical properties of mammoth tusks of different grades

According to current regulations, mammoth tusk (MT) grades are identified based on their appearance (integrity and geometric parameters), without considering their mineralization features, mechanical properties, and humidity. However, these characteristics specify approaches for the storage and bone cutting processing of raw materials. This study aimed to investigate the features of mineralization and the relationships between the physical and mechanical properties of MT and their grades. We studied MT samples from Grades I to IV. Their mineral compositions were determined using X-ray phase analysis. The indicators of maximum moisture saturation and dynamics of the change in mass after drying were identified according to the MT grade. The dependence of the physical and mechanical properties of various grades of MT on their moisture content was established. X-ray phase analysis revealed that MT Grades III and IV differed from Grades I and II in the presence of phosphate mineral impurities. We found that the presence of cracks and pores in the studied samples significantly affected the index of maximum water saturation and nature of moisture loss. The study of the physical and mechanical properties of the MT samples showed that with an increase in moisture content, the compressive strength decreased. We also proved that the physical and mechanical properties of MT did not depend on their grades.

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