Nut and Saddle

[mgap]

I have a 2003 500 series Taylor and the nut and saddle are turning a dark color, looks like natural aging but it is plastic(Tusq).  If it is aging like this is it likely that it will also crack? 
It is turning a dark as the cedar top is, and it has darkened over the years.  Is this all normal?

[Gutch]

Perfectly normal.  nothing to worry about.

[michaelw]

the more UV light the guitar is exposed to, the darker Tusq will get -
there's only a year difference between these 2 ('97 & '98) &
the '97 was played-out a lot by the previous owner(s)

'98 - pretty much a 'case queen' by the previous owner

Tusq will wear (nut slots & grooving of the saddle),
but i've yet to see one break or crack on an acoustic

[Colorancher]

That is cool. Of course, that then brings up the question; does that help (or hurt) the tone? I can only guess that it gets more brittle and that helps the tone. I have no idea how long these Tusq products have been around. Does anyone have old Tusq that can respond? Really kind of curious...

[Herb Hunter]

The discoloration caused by exposure to ultraviolet light occurs only on the surfaces. How could that possibly have any effect on tone?

[jpmist]

I have a '98 312, the nut and saddle are very dark but perfectly serviceable. Yes, it's normal. It's simply a dense plastic, there's nothing to dry out and become brittle.

[mgap]

I thought this was the case, I have nothing to worry about.   It simply shows age, and by the way my 514 is show its age better than I.