The tusks are actually upper incisors, not canines. Both sexes of the African elephant have tusks, but only the male sex of Asian elephants have tusks that protrude beyond the lips. Elephants are best known by many people in the world for their teeth. It is because of the human lust for ivory that thousands of people and countless elephants have been slaughtered for their teeth.
Ivory is really only dentine and is no different from ordinary teeth.
It is the diamond shaped pattern of the elephant's tusk looking from a cross-section which gives elephant ivory its distinctive lustre. The permanent tusks begin to protrude beyond the lips of an elephant at around 2-3 years of age, and will continue to grow throughout its life. The growth rate of tusks is at approximately 15-18 centimeters per year. About one quarter of the tusk is hidden within the socket. Thus, the typical question of why people can not just cut off the elephant's tusks to ward off poachers is answered.