Cuttlebone is a hard, brittle internal structure found in all members of the family Sepiidae, commonly known as cuttlefish. In Biological classification, family ( Latin Sepiidae is a family of Cephalopods in the order Sepiida. Classification Order Sepiida: cuttlefish Cuttlefish are marine animals of the order Sepiida belonging to the Cephalopoda class (which also includes Squid, Octopuses Cuttlebone is composed primarily of calcium carbonate. Calcium carbonate is a Chemical compound with the Chemical formula Ca[[Carbon C]] O 3 It is a chambered, gas-filled shell used for buoyancy control. In Physics, buoyancy ( BrE IPA: /ˈbɔɪənsi/ is the upward Force on an object produced by the surrounding liquid or gas in which it is The microscopic structure of cuttlebone consists of narrow layers connected by numerous upright pillars. Depending on the species, cuttlebones implode at a depth of between 200 and 600 m. Implosion is a process in which objects are destroyed by collapsing in on themselves As such, most species of cuttlefish live on the seafloor in shallow water, usually on the continental shelf. The continental shelf is the extended perimeter of each Continent and associated Coastal plain, which is covered during interglacial periods such [1]
Uses
In the past, cuttlebones were used in making polishing powder. The powder was added to toothpaste and used as an antacid or as an absorbent. Toothpaste is a Paste or Gel Dentifrice used to clean and maintain the aesthetics and health of Teeth. An antacid is any substance generally a base or Basic salt, which counteracts stomach acidity. Today, cuttlebones are commonly used as calcium-rich dietary supplements for caged birds and turtles. Calcium (ˈkælsiəm is the Chemical element with the symbol Ca and Atomic number 20 Birds ( class Aves) are bipedal endothermic ( Warm-blooded) Vertebrate animals that lay eggs. Turtles are Reptiles of the Order Testudines (all living turtles belong to the Crown group Chelonia) most of [2]
Jewelry making
Because the cuttlebone is able to withstand high temperatures and also be easily carved it makes for an ideal mold making material for small metal casting. Jewelry and small sculptural objects can be produced quickly and economically. Jewelers prepare the cuttlebone for use as a mold by cutting it in half and rubbing the two sides together until they fit flush against one another. Then the casting can be done by carving a design into the cuttlebone, adding the necessary sprue, melting the metal in a separate pouring crucible, and pouring the molten metal into the mold through the sprue. A sprue is the passage through which molten material is introduced into a mold Finally, the sprue is sawed off and the finished piece is polished.
References
- ^ Norman, M. D. 2000. Cephalopods: A World Guide. ConchBooks.
- ^ Norman, M. D. & A. Reid 2000. A Guide to Squid, Cuttlefish and Octopuses of Australasia. CSIRO Publishing.
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