Why is ivory so expensive?

With Prince William set to speak out against the ivory trade on Chinese TV we look into why it is so popular there. read more

Ivory is expensive mainly because its supply is very limited, coming from elephant tusks only, and secondly because its value as a material due to its carving qualities and its status as rare luxury goods. Many other animals produce ivory, but none as soft or as large quantities per specimen. read more

Ivory is not only considered aesthetically pleasing, it has a durable quality, yet can be easily carved into, and it hardly ever splinters. Ivory, like diamonds, also has a social significance. Elephants and other animals are killed for their ivory, a practice that is endangering many species of wildlife. read more

The comparison to diamonds is commonly made: Diamonds, like ivory, are a natural substance with little inherent value but prized social significance. read more