Nails are made out of keratin. keratin is a fibrous structural protein that makes up the outer layer of human skin clippings is composed of the same substance as human hair, keratin, which is very resistant to breaking down naturally. In fact, fingernail material can last for decades before breaking down completely. With proper care, most nails will survive burial intact beneath the surface for years or even decades before totally decomposing into basic minerals. Some individual nails have been found still attached to fingers. It can take between 5 to 40 years for nails to decompose completely. Average nails take 15 years to decompose completely.

Silky Terrier Dog Breed Playing Aro... Silky Terrier Dog Breed Playing Around

How fast the nail decomposes depends on the following factors:

Moisture. Nails decompose more quickly in moist conditions than dry ones.

Litter and soil content. Nails decompose faster in a high litter and soil content.

Temperature. Nails decompose faster at a higher temperature than a lower one.

Lack of oxygen. Nails decompose faster if not exposed to much oxygen.

Age: Nails decompose more quickly in older cadavers.

Protein content. The higher the protein content, the slower nails decompose.

Claw-like nails. Nail that is claw-like lasts longer than normal-shaped ones.

Uniform thickness. A nail is decomposing faster if its thickness is uniform.

Length. Generally, nails that are longer take more time to break down than shorter ones.

Nails on the fingers and toes. Nails on fingers and toes decompose faster than those on arms and legs.

Age. It has been observed that nails on a body decompose faster than those on a living person.

Gender. There is no difference in the rate of decomposition between male and female nails.

Nails on the fingers and toes of a human last longer, up to three years which make them perfect for helping to identify victims in disasters where the body is not recoverable or has decomposed significantly.