Names given as titles for the entries are inconsistent – some are singular, some are plural; some are specific, some include related materials; duplication occurs -- e.g., IVORY and TEETH (other than ivory); ... etc.  This inconsistency reflects my attempt to choose the names that will be familiar to most readers, and thus facilitate and expedite their finding the materials in which they may be interested.

     Information given for each material follows the same general format, and should be considered in this same light and with the same disclaimers in mind as is urged for information given in the entries in GEMROCKS.  In addition, the following comments seem noteworthy:
                   First:  Whereas  the materials  included in GEMROCKS are within my field of concentration, those  treated in this file are NOT.  ---- Thus, the quotation preceding this introduction seems appropriate.  This, of course, raises the question as to why I undertook this compilation. ---- It's a long story; if anyone is interested, contact me and I will explain.

                   Second:  a) Most DESCRIPTION subheadings are followed by a general statement about the material that includes its overall composition and macroscopic means of identifying the material;  inclusion of the Mohs scale of Hardness and Specific Gravity values reflect my geological experience and predilection.   b) USES of zoogenic materials to fulfill functional needs, as well as for adornment and fashioning decorative items, date back to early records of humans of several cultures, and thus help define human beings; therefore, a few functional as well as decorative items are included for many of the included materials.  c) OCCURRENCES & LOCALITIES are combined because occurrences of Zoogenic materials are geographic, i.e., they are environmentally controlled.  d) REMARKS include such things as etymology of the name of the material(s), treatments known to have been used to prepare the material for the mentioned uses, care that should be given anything fashioned from the material,  and tidbits that might help energize conversations -- "Did you know ...? -- abfacsimileout  the material(s).  e) SIMULANTS, which include natural and man-made materials, take on a new meaning so far as their uses in decorative pieces: Today, from a legal standpoint, some zoogenic materials are not available or are available only in limited amounts.  This is true because of the endangered status of the animals from which they come.  In 1973, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) was formed to establish regulations for international trade involving wild animals and plants whose survival is threatened.  CITES pronouncements, which are recognized by most nations, apply to travelers as well as commercial traders who export or import any of the listed animals, plants and/or souvenirs (etc.) made from materials derived from these animals or plants.  Anyone who has any question about a given animal, plant or biogenic material should check its status on the CITES...(nd) web site.   As a consequence of this oversight, simulants of some of the materials treated herein are especially noteworthy:  The use of many of the simulants has the positive aspect that no animal was harmed or slaughtered in order to fashion any items made from them.   f)  REPLICAS are noted under this last subheading of some entries. Items fashioned to represent -- be it well, only grossly or stylistically -- the animal(s) whose parts are the foci of the entries are noted;  the roles these items have and the materials from which they are made are included.  g) A GLOSSARY, BIBLIOGRAPHY and INDEX are included.  The BIBLIOGRAPHY includes references cited in the text and additional selected references that seem noteworthy.  Additional and alternative sources could be given for several of the subjects.  My selection is based such things as availability and the fact that many of these references could lead readers to additional pertinent publications.  h) APPENDIX A is list of the materials used to fashion replicas and includes links to the entries where each of these materials is mentioned.  

                Third, the uneven coverage for any one versus other materials should not be interpreted to be a reflection on the amount of information available about any given material.  It is based on my opinion as to what coverage seems appropriate for this compilation.

     Some of the presented information will date me. Some of my choices of, for example, anecdotes will, I suspect, give those who are so-oriented insight into my psyche.  So be it.