billiardballs

Billiard balls are the spherical objects used in cue sports such as billiards, pool, and snooker. Typically, sets of billiard balls consist of a cue ball and several object balls. The object balls are usually numbered and colored. The cue ball is the only ball struck by the player's cue stick, and its purpose is to strike the object balls, propelling them into pockets or to achieve other strategic objectives on the table.

The material composition of billiard balls has evolved over time. Early balls were made from wood, but later ivory became common due to its density and resilience. However, ivory balls were expensive and prone to cracking. Modern billiard balls are almost universally made from synthetic materials, primarily phenolic resin or polyester. These materials offer greater durability, consistency, and resistance to chipping and cracking compared to older materials.

The size and weight of billiard balls are standardized for different cue sports. For example, pool balls are typically around 2.25 inches (57 mm) in diameter. Snooker balls are slightly smaller. The weight is also consistent within a set to ensure predictable play. The smooth surface and precise spherical shape are critical for accurate and predictable ricochets and rolls. The colors and numbering of the object balls serve to distinguish them and are integral to the rules of specific games.