An ostrich eggshell is very hard. It is made out of calcium carbonate and is about 2.4 mm thick. The inside of the eggshell is actually softer than the outside because it is made out of a different kind of calcium carbonate. The hardness of the eggshell is what protects the developing ostrich embryo from getting crushed.
The strength of the ostrich eggshell is due to the mineral content. The shell is made up of 97.5% calcium carbonate and 2.5% protein. The protein helps to hold the calcium carbonate crystals together. The calcium carbonate crystals are what give the eggshell its strength.
The ostrich eggshell is so strong that it can support the weight of an adult human. It has been known to break the blades of axes and even the teeth of hippos.
There are two main ways to test the hardness of an ostrich eggshell. The first is the Impact Test which measures the amount of force required to break an egg. The second is the Abrasion Test which measures the amount of wear an egg can withstand.
The Impact Test is the more commonly used of the two. It is conducted by dropping an egg onto a hard surface from a height of about two meters. The egg is then examined for cracks. The Abrasion Test is conducted by rubbing an egg against a hard surface. The egg is then examined for wear.
The ostrich eggshell is one of the hardest known materials. It is stronger than concrete steel and Kevlar. The only things that are harder than ostrich eggshell are diamonds and carbon nanotubes.
What is an ostrich’s eggshell made of?
Calcium carbonate
How many eggs does an ostrich lay in one year?
20-30
How big is an ostrich egg?
12 inches long and 6 inches in diameter
How much does an ostrich egg weigh?
3 pounds
How long does it take an ostrich egg to hatch?
42 days
What is the average lifespan of an ostrich?
20-40 years
How fast can an ostrich run?
43 mph
What is the tallest recorded ostrich ever?
9 feet 2 inches
What is the heaviest recorded ostrich ever?
345 pounds
What does an ostrich eat?
Plants insects small animals
How much water does an ostrich drink in a day?
4 gallons
What is the smallest recorded ostrich?
5 feet 7 inches
What is the largest recorded ostrich?
10 feet 2 inches
How many species of ostrich are there?
2
What is the scientific name for the ostrich?
Struthio camelus
