The facts
What tagua actually is
Mineralogically, tagua is hardened endosperm of the seed of the tagua palm Phytelephas macrocarpa and P. aequatorialis — Cellulose and mannan polysaccharide, crystallising in the amorphous system.
The colour is caused by naturally cream-white; takes dye extremely well, which is most of its commercial use. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer gives nothing, because the material is opaque, and the specific gravity sits near 1.38-1.45; cleavage is none; a small hollow cavity at the centre of the nut limits piece size.
Where tagua comes from
The recognised sources are Manabi and Esmeraldas Provinces, Ecuador, Narino and Choco, Colombia, Loreto, Peru and Panama and Brazil (minor).
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
How tagua is treated
Usually dyed in bright colours for buttons and beadwork; undyed carving stock is sold plain. Fully legal and sustainably harvested from fallen nuts - it is the main ethical substitute for ivory and the reason 'vegetable ivory' button production survived into the 20th century. No CITES. Limited by nut size: pieces above about 6 cm are not achievable.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What tagua is confused with
The usual confusions are Elephant and mammoth ivory (it is the legal substitute), Bone and Plastics.
Because the material is opaque, refractive index is no help. Specific gravity around 1.38-1.45, hardness of 2-2.5, streak and magnification do the work instead.
What tagua is used for
Tagua is bought by carving and sculpture, jewellery and decorative objects — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the block, by the carat or by the piece.
Durability and care
Tagua is 2-2.5 on the Mohs scale, with none; a small hollow cavity at the centre of the nut limits piece size cleavage.
Below about 5.5 a stone will be scratched by ordinary household dust, which is largely quartz. That does not make it unusable — it makes it a pendant, an earring or an object rather than a ring worn every day.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What tagua costs
Indicative pricing for tagua is $1-5 per nut; carved figurines $10-150.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is tagua treated, and how?
Usually dyed in bright colours for buttons and beadwork; undyed carving stock is sold plain. Fully legal and sustainably harvested from fallen nuts - it is the main ethical substitute for ivory and the reason 'vegetable ivory' button production survived into the 20th century. No CITES. Limited by nut size: pieces above about 6 cm are not achievable.
Where does tagua come from?
Manabi and Esmeraldas Provinces, Ecuador, Narino and Choco, Colombia, Loreto, Peru and Panama and Brazil (minor). Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is tagua hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 2-2.5 on the Mohs scale it is softer than the quartz dust in ordinary household dirt, so it scratches with wear. It suits pendants, earrings and objects better than a daily ring.
How much does tagua cost?
Indicatively $1-5 per nut; carved figurines $10-150. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is tagua confused with?
Most often Elephant and mammoth ivory (it is the legal substitute), Bone and Plastics. Since the material is opaque, separation relies on specific gravity near 1.38-1.45, hardness and magnification.
What is tagua used for besides jewellery?
carving and sculpture and decorative objects. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for tagua?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about tagua