Ivory is obtained from the tusks and teeth of elephants, whales and other animals. Its high value is partly due to the fact that it is illegal, especially that coming from elephant tusks. Many artists and craftsmen have used fake ivory to create sculptures and other objects similar to those in ivory, but there are some ways to identify fakes. This article will explain how to recognize real ivory from bone or other materials.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Check the Color and Texture of the Ivory
Step 1. Hold the object in your hand and weigh it
Ivory is a dense and heavy material. Think of a billiard ball, in the past it was made of ivory; when you hold one of these balls it immediately feels very heavy and solid. If the object in question seems strangely light to you, you can rule out that it is ivory.
- Bone can have the exact weight of ivory, so just because an object seems heavy and resistant to you does not mean that it is necessarily ivory.
- If you have trouble assessing its weight, compare it to other items that you are sure are made of ivory. You can also find online sites that provide you with the weight and measurements of many ivory items.
Step 2. Run your fingers over the object to perceive its surface
Ivory is said to be as smooth as butter. It's not soft but, in the right hands, it's easy enough to sculpt. If the surface feels rough and furrowed to you, it probably isn't ivory. If it looks incredibly smooth to you, it might be.
Step 3. Examine the surface and the patina of the object through a magnifying glass
It's not always possible to determine if an object is ivory by looking at it with a magnifying glass, but using it can give you some great clues. Real ivory is shiny and beautiful, often with a slightly straw hue. It may also have taken on a brownish color due to the sebum of the hands that have touched it over time. But if you see any stains or other marks, it's probably not ivory. Look for these indicators:
- Crossed dashed lines. There should be parallel lines (with small irregularities) running the length of the object. Perpendicular to these lines you should notice V marks (Schreger lines), or circular lines. These are characteristics of elephant or mammoth ivory.
- Does the surface have many spots and holes? in this case there is a high probability that the object is made of bone. Sometimes the bone is bleached, so you should do other tests to be sure.
- All types of bone have signs indicating the presence of marrow on the surface. They are not visible to the naked eye, but with a lens you should spot them. Ivory is usually smoother, harder and without specks.
Method 2 of 3: Hot Pin Test
Step 1. Heat a pin
Hold it under the flame of a candle or lighter for a few seconds until it gets very hot. You can use any piece of metal, but a pin is ideal because it doesn't leave big marks.
Step 2. Place the pin on the surface of the object
Choose a discreet spot, not very visible so in the end you won't damage it too much (even if it shouldn't happen with ivory).
Step 3. Smell where you placed the pin
If it's ivory, you shouldn't smell any particular smell. If it is bone you should smell a slight smell like burnt hair.
Real ivory does not deteriorate with this test because it is hard enough to withstand heat. On the other hand, if the object is made of plastic, the pin will leave a hole. Since some plastics (such as Bakelite) have a much higher value than ivory, do not take this test unless you are sure it is made of plastic
Method 3 of 3: Professional Opinion
Step 1. Have the object appraised by an antique dealer
These people have handled hundreds of thousands of pieces in ivory, bone, plastic, and are very skilled in recognizing materials using the methods described above, in addition to the fact that they have a deep knowledge of the ivory trade.
- Make sure your expert is a reputable antique dealer. Don't go into just any store, look for one that specializes in ivory to make sure you get a correct rating.
- Antiques fairs are an excellent opportunity to ask for an evaluation. Search online and find the one closest to your home.
Step 2. Request a chemical test
In order not to have any doubts about the origin of the material you are holding, take it to a forensic laboratory and ask for a chemical examination. The cellular structure of ivory is different from that of bone and a well-equipped laboratory can give you the definitive answer.
