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NEWTON Home Page NEWTON Teachers Visit Our Archives Ask A Question How To Ask A Question Question of the Week Our Expert Scientists Volunteer at NEWTON! Frequently Asked Questions Referencing NEWTON About NEWTON About Ask A Scientist Education At Argonne Finger Nails and Decomposition 
Name: Stacey T.
Status: educator
Age: 30s
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: 2001
Question:
My daughter would like to know if fingernails or animal claws decompose.

Replies:
Fingernails and claws are all made of principally calcium carbonate or similar compounds. Decomposition of fingernails is similar to any living material. These calcium compounds will dissolve in weak acids, much like we find in soil and many parts of the environment. This process will not take too long except in extreme environments.

Steve Sample

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