This rare, 30,000-year-old blue mammoth tusk was discovered in Alaska in 2017.

[u/GoldenChinchilla]

The blue coloration is believed to develop when animal remains that are low in iron but high in phosphates are buried in damp sediment that is rich in iron but poor in phosphates.

The tusk was reportedly put up for auction, although its estimated value was not disclosed.

[u/MathematicianGold280]

It’s odd and wild to me that this doesn’t automatically go to a museum but is auctioned

[u/zombiejuliet → u/MathematicianGold280]

Yes! This is a treasure from our earth. Everybody should be able to see it.