Orca tooth

Orca tooth is a rare and striking material from the jaw of the largest member of the dolphin family. Orca teeth are conical and large, with dense white dentine and a distinctive shape that makes the bead expressive in itself. This is a collector-grade material, and the law must be stated plainly: the orca is protected under conservation conventions and counts in many countries as a protected marine mammal, so legal trade in its teeth is strictly limited and requires documents of origin; rules vary substantially by country, and new harvest is indefensible. Most often this means old material, or teeth from naturally deceased animals within the bounds local law allows. In structure orca tooth is close to sperm whale tooth but usually smaller, with the same pleasant density and a warm cream tone that drifts toward honey over the years. In the hand it is cool, smooth, noticeably dense, quick to take the warmth of the palm. Spun, it sounds composed, a deep quiet bony click. Patina builds evenly, a warm golden shade settling where the beads are gripped. Care is standard for dentine: stable humidity, no direct heat or sun, a dry soft wipe. For those wanting a noble marine material free of legal questions, we suggest mammoth ivory as a fossil, lawful choice. Orca tooth is an object for collectors and lovers of the truly rare, to be treated with respect and caution.