Analyzing the Composition and Structure of Mammuthusprimigenius Tusk by Methods of Thermogravimetric and X-Ray Analysis

摘要

The paper presents the results of studying the composition and phase transitions occurring at thermal treatment of tusk of Mammuthus primigenius by the thermogravimetric and X-ray analysis methods. The elemental analysis of the tusk sample shows that, in addition to elements standard for hydroxyapatite, magnesium ions are present, that is, hydroxyapatite in the studied samples is represented in the magnesium-substituted form Ca_(10 –)_( x )Mg_( x )(PO_(4))_(6)(OH)_(2). It is revealed that thermal decomposition of mammoth tusk components proceeds in a wide temperature range accompanied by transformation of the mineral part from hydroxyapatite to whitlockite. It is established that this process is caused by the presence of magnesium ions.