Title: Narwhal Tusk Research -- About the Tusk
Headings: About the Tusk

Content: Fetal narwhal initially develop six pairs of maxillary or upper teeth and two pairs of mandibular or lower teeth. Only one pair from the maxillary jaw develop and the others are vestigial. Tusk length, girth, morphology, wear and coloration are all quite variable. Male tusks are usually longer and have a wide variation in ridge morphology, often appearing as a gently wavelike form when looking down the horizontal axis. Female tusks are shorter, straighter, have a more regularly defined morphology, and do not collect as much proteinacious or algae on the surface, thus appearing whiter. Often associated with the horn of the unicorn, the narwhal tooth has found its way into the books of scientific rarities and mythical tales, and has inspired legend and lore. So prized was the fabled tooth of the unicorn that in the 16th century Queen Elizabeth paid 10,000 pounds — equivalent to the cost of an entire castle — for one. The tooth is revered by many cultures around the world. In Japan two crossed narwhal teeth adorn the entrance to the Korninkaku Palace, and in Denmark multiple teeth comprise the frame. The royal scepter in England is made from the rare tusk.