Well there is Tusq and there is Tusq. The white nuts and saddles are pretty hard, not quite as hard as bone, but much closer than not. Black Tusq is softer and incorporates some lubricity. It acts like graphite lube but also wears quicker. That is my understanding.
FWIW my 2001 Rainsong WS-1000 still has the factory original nut and saddle after nearly 18 years of serious play. No need to fix what ain't broken. I'm the kind of guy who doesn't replace nuts, saddles or bridge pins - except when they are actually worn or for aesthetic reasons (bridge pins).
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