Tortoiseshells are shells of a species of tortoise known as hawksbill that is mottled, translucent, and having brownish covering of the shells. They used to make combs, page turner, jewelry, and various other objects. Using tortoiseshell is banned as most of the species are endangered. Nowadays, fake or faux synthetic material that is an imitation of tortoiseshell is also referred as "Tortoiseshell."