Understanding the Myth: Which Bone Cannot Be Destroyed?

September 25, 2025 •

5 min read

Despite popular beliefs rooted in ancient traditions and religious texts, no bone in the human body is truly indestructible or impervious to decay. All living tissue, including bone, is subject to the natural processes of decomposition and can be destroyed by physical or chemical means. This article explores the origins of this myth and presents the scientific facts.

Quick Summary

No human bone is indestructible; all bones are made of living tissue that will eventually decay or can be destroyed. The widespread myth, often associated with the tailbone (coccyx) or a mystical 'Luz' bone, originates from religious beliefs, not scientific fact.

Key Points

No Indestructible Bone: All human bones are made of living tissue that decays over time and can be destroyed by external forces or chemical processes.
Mythological Roots: The idea of an indestructible bone is a spiritual concept found in traditions like the Islamic ajbu' adh-dhanab and the Jewish Luz bone, symbolizing resurrection, not a biological fact.
Coccyx Misconception: The tailbone (coccyx) is often cited in the myth but is not indestructible; its durability is sometimes perceived because it can be one of the last bones to decay under certain environmental conditions.
Bone Composition and Decay: Scientifically, bone is a composite material of collagen and minerals. After death, it decomposes due to biological and chemical processes, though more slowly than soft tissue.
Extreme Conditions Prove Otherwise: Processes like cremation, exposure to acid, or severe physical trauma can and do destroy bones, definitively proving they are not indestructible.
Strongest vs. Indestructible: The femur is the strongest bone in the body, but this measure of strength is not the same as being indestructible. The perception of durability varies based on a bone's location and structure.

The Origins of the Myth of the Indestructible Bone

The idea that a specific bone in the body cannot be destroyed is a concept found in several religious and cultural traditions, not in modern science. Two of the most notable examples are the Islamic belief in the ajbu' adh-dhanab and the Jewish concept of the Luz bone.

The Islamic Tradition: Ajbu' adh-dhanab

In Islamic tradition, the ajbu' adh-dhanab, often translated as the "tailbone" or "coccyx," is believed to be the seed from which a person's body will be recreated on the Day of Judgment. A hadith, or saying of the Prophet Muhammad, states that all of the son of Adam (mankind) will be consumed by the earth except the tailbone. From this tiny part, creation will begin anew. This belief is a testament to the divine power of resurrection and should be understood within its spiritual context, not as a statement of biological fact.

The Jewish Tradition: The Luz Bone

Jewish tradition also includes a similar concept of an indestructible bone, known as the Luz bone. The Luz bone is believed to be a small bone at the top of the spine or, in some interpretations, the coccyx. According to folklore, this bone is impervious to destruction by fire or decay and will serve as the starting point for resurrection. Some commentators even associate it with the verses in Psalms that mention the preservation of bones. Like the ajbu' adh-dhanab, this is a spiritual belief regarding resurrection and not a biological claim.

The Scientific Reality of Bone

From a scientific perspective, the myth of an indestructible bone is entirely false. All bones are living, dynamic tissues that are subject to damage, decay, and destruction. Here is a breakdown of the scientific reality:

Bone Composition: Bone is a composite material, consisting of a tough protein matrix (primarily collagen) reinforced by mineral crystals (calcium phosphate). While dense, this structure can be broken down by various processes.
Bone as Living Tissue: Unlike inert material, bone is living tissue, complete with blood vessels, nerves, and cells (osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteocytes) that constantly remodel and repair it. When the body dies, these living processes cease.
Decomposition: After death, the soft tissues of the body decompose. While bones are far more durable, they too eventually break down through processes like chemical degradation and bacterial action. The rate of decomposition varies depending on environmental factors like moisture, soil acidity, and temperature.

What Happens to Bones Under Extreme Conditions?

Even under extreme conditions that might seem to align with the myth, scientific evidence shows that bones are indeed destroyed.

Cremation: Modern cremation involves temperatures high enough to turn bone to ash, debunking any claim of indestructibility by fire. The remaining fragments, known as "cremains," are then processed into a fine powder.
Acid: Strong acids can dissolve bone. For example, hydrochloric acid, a component of stomach acid, can break down bone over time. Forensic science relies on an understanding of how chemicals affect skeletal remains.
Physical Force: Bones can be shattered by significant physical trauma, such as crushing, grinding, or high-impact collisions. The phrase "cannot be destroyed" simply does not hold up against mechanical forces.

Which Bone is the Toughest?

While no bone is indestructible, some are significantly stronger and more durable than others. The femur, or thigh bone, is widely regarded as the strongest and longest bone in the human body. Its robust structure is designed to support the entire body's weight and withstand immense force.

The Femur's Strength: The femur's strength is due to its composition and density, making it less susceptible to fracture than smaller, more fragile bones like the facial bones or coccyx.
The Coccyx's Perception of Durability: The coccyx might be mistakenly perceived as indestructible because it is often one of the last bones to completely decay, especially if buried in a protected environment. Its small, fused structure and location might offer some protection, but this is a far cry from being truly indestructible.

Scientific Truth vs. Mythological Beliefs

The table below compares the scientific facts with the common myths surrounding the "indestructible bone."


Feature	Mythological Belief	Scientific Reality
Indestructibility	A specific bone (Luz/coccyx) is impervious to decay and fire.	All biological matter, including bone, will eventually decay.
Role in Resurrection	The indestructible bone serves as a seed for the body's resurrection.	Resurrection is a spiritual concept, not a biological process.
Composition	The bone possesses a special, divine quality.	Bone is a composite of protein (collagen) and mineral (calcium phosphate).
Fate after Death	The bone persists indefinitely, regardless of conditions.	Bones decompose, with the rate determined by environmental factors.
Toughest Bone	The tailbone (coccyx) is seen as uniquely durable.	The femur is scientifically the strongest bone, though all are mortal.

The Longevity of Human Remains

While complete indestructibility is a fantasy, skeletal remains can and do last for extremely long periods, offering valuable information to anthropologists and archaeologists. Factors that contribute to the preservation of bone include:

Dry environments: Arid conditions can mummify remains and prevent bacterial decomposition.
Cold environments: Extreme cold slows down biological processes, preserving remains, as seen with glacial ice mummies.
Specific soil conditions: Highly acidic or basic soil can affect preservation, but bones can remain intact for centuries or millennia under the right conditions. For example, in environments with neutral soil pH and low moisture, bones can last much longer.

For a deeper understanding of human anatomy and the composition of bone tissue, consult authoritative medical sources such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases ~ National Resource Center

Conclusion

The notion of an indestructible bone, such as the coccyx, is a fascinating and enduring myth with roots in spiritual and religious beliefs. However, it is fundamentally at odds with scientific knowledge. All human bones are made of living tissue that, like the rest of the body, will eventually decay and can be destroyed. While some bones are stronger and more resilient than others, none are immortal. The persistence of this myth highlights the human fascination with concepts of eternal life and resurrection, even when contradicted by tangible, scientific reality.

Frequently Asked Questions

In Islamic tradition, the ajbu' adh-dhanab, or coccyx (tailbone), is believed to be the seed from which the body will be resurrected, and is not consumed by the earth. This is a spiritual belief, not a scientific one.

In Jewish folklore, the Luz bone is an indestructible bone, sometimes identified as the coccyx, that is said to be the foundation for the resurrection of the dead.

Yes, all bones decay after death. The rate of decomposition depends on factors like moisture, temperature, and soil conditions, but bones are made of living tissue and will eventually break down.

Yes, cremation uses extremely high temperatures that destroy all organic matter, including bones, leaving behind only mineral fragments that are then processed into ash.

No, the tailbone is not scientifically stronger than other bones. It is sometimes perceived as more durable because it can be one of the last bones to completely decay, but it is not inherently indestructible.

The femur, or thigh bone, is widely considered the strongest bone in the human body. Its dense structure allows it to bear the body's weight and withstand significant forces.

Human bones can last for centuries or even millennia under the right conditions, such as arid, cold, or low-acidity environments. However, they are not immortal and will eventually decompose.