A white, rigid, calcareous structure that forms the skeleton of vertebrates. Bones have a concentric structure with central lymphatic canals (Haversian canals) surrounded by a spongy lamellar region (marrow) which in turn is protected by a dense outer cortex. The Haversian canals contain nerve tissues and blood vessels. Bones are primarily composed of calcium hydroxyapatite with smaller amounts of calcium carbonate, calcium fluoride, and magnesium phosphate. They also contain about 30% ossein, a high molecular weight protein. Bones have been carved as tools (spear heads, needles, fish-hooks, handles, etc.) and art objects (ornaments, figurines, inlays, bottles, toys, etc.) since ancient times. They are generally whiter, more porous and less dense than ivory. Bones were also burnt to produce bone black and boiled to produce bone glue.
Synonyms and Related Terms
os (Fr.); knogle (Dan.); Knochen (Deut.); hueso (Esp.); osso (It., Port.); bot (Ned.); ben (Sven.)
Bones can be microscopically distinguished from ivory because they are more porous and they lack the layered structure. UV autofluorescence is blue-white with spots.
Hazards and Safety
Sensitive to temperature and humidity changes.
° A.Child, "Microbial Taphonomy of Archaeological Bone" Studies in Conservation, 40:19-30, 1995.
° J.Thornton,"The Structure of Ivory and Ivory Substitutes", AIC Preprints, Philadelphia, 1981, p.173-181
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