Snooker/Billiards balls were originally made from such materials as wood and clay. Although ox bone balls were used in Europe. Ivory was also used and a firm favourite. But due to public concern around the reduction and endangerment to the elephant species, an alternative needed to be found.

 

The billiards industry offered a challenge to inventors to come up with an alternative material that could be manufactured. The prize was $10,000 offered by a New York supplier; although there is no record that the prize funds was ever paid out?

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In 1867 Sorel Cement was said to be artificial ivory. In 1869 Nitrocellulose was used for billiards. Although in production this material was volatile and occasionally exploded, making this early plastic impractical. The next substance was Bakelite, crystallite.

 

Today the balls are cast from strong material resistant to cracking or chipping, Saluc is the name of the company that manufactures Aramith balls from Phenolic resin (still a secret recipe). They are a subsidery of Iwan Simonis S.A. who also own WSP Textile Manufactures, who manufacture Strachan cloth.