what are snooker balls made of

Snooker balls are made of cast phenolic resin, a light plastic resin. This material gives more control compared to previous materials used, such as clay and ivory. The process of making snooker balls involves heating and pouring thermosetting plastic into molds, which are then left to harden, sanded, and polished. The weight of a snooker ball is not specific, but all balls in a set must be the same weight, within 3g of each other. Historically, snooker/billiards balls were fashioned out of wood. However, today, snooker balls are made of synthetic resins, usually phenolic or polyester. Phenolic resin billiard balls are the preferred standard today, and polyester resin is also used. Other materials used to make billiard balls include hardwood and ivory, although ivory balls are rare today and considered collectors items.