That's what can happen to ivory in a low-humidity environment

[Secaucus Fats]

I use Renaissance micro-crystalline wax on ivory. It helps keep it from drying out too much, and prevents cracking. It is used and recommended by many museum curators for use on wood, leather, paintings, metals, marble, onyx, and ivory.

Light is also not good for ivory so I keep my cues safely inside their cases whenever I'm not playing. I also make sure to keep them away from heat sources such as heat vents and / or radiators. All cues, not just those with ivory, are happier when stored in an environment where the temperature and humidity are such that it's comfortable for you (not too hot, not too cold, not too dry, not too humid).

I use and recommend a fiber pad for ivory ferrules, I see a pad as cheap insurance / protection.

I have never had an ivory ferrule crack, or break, on any of my cues.

 

[Vahmurka]

Mike check out McChen's post

thanks for the link Bud.

I argee no pad must have been the reason to get a tiny crack which just developed with time. What McChen says in his post about pad's meaning is exactly what we tell our customers on tip installs. Most of pyramid cues don't have any ferrules so we always recommend using a fibre pad as an isolator.