Ivory, a valuable and sought-after material, has captivated human civilizations for centuries. However, its allure has come at a devastating cost to elephants, whose tusks are the primary source of this precious commodity. Identifying ivory is crucial in combating the illegal ivory trade and protecting these magnificent creatures. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to distinguish ivory from its substitutes.
The distinctive characteristics of ivory set it apart from other materials. Its smooth, lustrous surface and creamy white or yellowish hue contribute to its aesthetic appeal. Ivory exhibits a unique grain pattern consisting of fine lines or striations that run parallel to the tusk’s axis. These lines are often visible to the naked eye and can help differentiate ivory from other materials. Additionally, ivory has a warm, pleasant feel to the touch, unlike the coldness of plastic or the stickiness of bone.
Further examination techniques involve the use of ultraviolet light and heat tests. When exposed to ultraviolet light, genuine ivory typically fluoresces a soft blue or white color. This fluorescence is a consequence of the presence of certain organic compounds within the ivory. Conversely, synthetic ivory or imitations do not exhibit this fluorescence. Heat tests can also be employed to distinguish ivory from other materials. When heated, genuine ivory emits a characteristic burning smell similar to burnt hair or feathers. This distinct odor is absent in synthetic materials and provides a reliable indication of authenticity.
Physical Appearance
General Characteristics
Ivory is a hard, white material with a smooth surface. It is composed of dentin, a calcified tissue that makes up the main part of teeth. Ivory is porous and has a microstructure that gives it a distinctive appearance. When cut or polished, it has a lustrous surface that can be either matte or glossy.
Specific Properties
Density: Ivory is a dense material, typically ranging from 1.8 to 2.0 grams per cubic centimeter. This density gives it a heavy feel and makes it difficult to carve.
Hardness: Ivory is hard, but not as hard as some other materials, such as metal or stone. It can be scratched or cut with sharp objects, but it is not easily broken.
Color: Ivory is typically a white or cream color, but it can also range from yellow to brown. The color of ivory can vary depending on the age and condition of the material. Older ivory tends to be darker and more yellowed than newer ivory.
Translucency: Ivory is translucent, meaning that it allows light to pass through it. This translucency gives ivory a characteristic glow when it is backlit.
Other Features: Ivory can also have other characteristics, such as:
- Grain: Ivory has a grain pattern that is visible when it is cut or polished. This grain pattern can be straight, wavy, or irregular.
- Crazing: Ivory can develop cracks or crazing over time. This is due to the fact that ivory is a natural material that is subject to changes in temperature and humidity.
- Patina: Ivory can develop a patina over time. This is a thin layer of oxidation that gives ivory a mellowed appearance.
Texture and Surface
Ivory has a distinctive texture that sets it apart from other materials. It is smooth and creamy to the touch, with a slight graininess that can be felt under the fingernails. The surface of ivory is also very hard, making it resistant to scratching and damage.
Schreger Lines
One of the most identifying characteristics of ivory is the presence of Schreger lines. These are fine, parallel lines that run along the length of the tusk. They are caused by the way the ivory is formed, and are unique to each individual animal. Schreger lines can be seen when a piece of ivory is held up to the light, or when it is examined under a microscope.
The following table summarizes the key characteristics of ivory texture and surface:
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Texture | Smooth, creamy, with slight graininess |
| Surface | Hard, resistant to scratching and damage |
| Schreger lines | Fine, parallel lines that run along the length of the tusk |
Grain and Pattern
Grain Direction
Ivory is an organic material with a distinct grain direction, similar to the grain found in wood. The grain can vary in direction from piece to piece, but it is generally parallel to the long axis of the tusk. When examining ivory, pay attention to the way the grain runs. If the grain is smooth and continuous, it is likely genuine ivory. In contrast, plastic imitations may have a more uniform, artificial-looking grain.
Schreger Lines
Schreger lines are a distinctive pattern found in ivory that are visible under magnification. These lines are caused by the arrangement of collagen fibers in the tusk. When viewed under a microscope, Schreger lines appear as a series of parallel lines that intersect at a slight angle to the grain direction. The presence of Schreger lines is a strong indicator of genuine ivory.
Types of Schreger Lines
There are two main types of Schreger lines:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary Schreger Lines | The most prominent lines, running parallel to the grain direction. |
| Secondary Schreger Lines | Finer lines that intersect the primary lines at a slight angle. |
The presence of both primary and secondary Schreger lines is a clear indication of genuine ivory.
Weight and Density
Ivory is a dense material, but the weight and density can vary depending on the type and age of ivory. African ivory, for example, is denser and heavier than Asian ivory. Fresh ivory is less dense than old ivory, which has had time to lose moisture and become more compact.
Weight
The weight of ivory is measured in grams or ounces. A small piece of ivory, such as a carved figurine, might weigh a few ounces, while a large piece, such as a tusk, can weigh several pounds.
Density
The density of ivory is measured in grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³). The density of ivory can range from 1.6 to 2.0 g/cm³, depending on the type and age of ivory. The higher the density, the heavier the ivory will feel for its size.
| Type of Ivory | Density (g/cm³) |
|---|---|
| African | 1.8-2.0 |
| Asian | 1.6-1.8 |
| Fresh | 1.6-1.7 |
| Old | 1.7-2.0 |
The density of ivory is one of the key factors that makes it a valuable material. Ivory is used to make a variety of objects, including jewelry, furniture, and musical instruments. The high density and hardness of ivory make it a strong and durable material that is also resistant to termites and other insects.
Color and Translucency
Ivory exhibits a distinctive range of colors that can vary depending on its age and origin. Aged ivory often develops a rich, creamy hue with subtle variations in tone. Freshly harvested ivory, on the other hand, typically displays a whiter shade with a slight pinkish or yellowish tint.
Translucency is another key indicator of ivory. When held up to a light source, genuine ivory will allow light to pass through, creating a faint glow. This characteristic is especially pronounced in thin sections, such as those used in jewelry or carvings.
Veining
One of the most distinctive features of ivory is its unique veining patterns. These intricate lines running through the material are created by the growth of dentin, a tissue found in the teeth and tusks of mammals. The veining patterns vary in thickness, shape, and frequency, providing a reliable way to identify ivory from other materials.
Mohs Hardness
Ivory has a Mohs hardness of 2.5, which means it can be scratched with a fingernail or a sharp object. This property helps distinguish ivory from materials such as bone or plastic, which have higher hardness values.
Luminescence
When exposed to ultraviolet light, some types of ivory exhibit a characteristic blue or green luminescence. This property is particularly noticeable under a black light and can be a useful tool for identifying genuine ivory.
| Property | Ivory |
|---|---|
| Color | Creamy, white, yellowish, pinkish |
| Translucency | Allows light to pass through |
| Veining | Intricate lines running through the material |
| Mohs Hardness | 2.5 (Can be scratched with a fingernail) |
| Luminescence | Blue or green luminescence under ultraviolet light |
Artificial Treatment Detection
Detecting artificial treatments in ivory can be challenging, but several techniques can help identify these alterations:
Fluorescent Additives
Artificial treatments can sometimes contain fluorescent additives. These additives can be detected using a UV lamp, which will cause the treated ivory to emit a visible glow.
Radiocarbon Dating
Radiocarbon dating measures the amount of radioactive carbon-14 in a sample. Since ivory naturally contains carbon-14, any age discrepancy between the radiocarbon date and the known age of the ivory may indicate artificial treatment.
Density Measurements
Density measurements can help distinguish between natural ivory and synthetic imitations. Natural ivory tends to be denser than synthetic materials, so a higher density may indicate genuine ivory.
Microscopic Examination
Microscopic examination can reveal subtle differences between natural ivory and synthetic materials. For example, natural ivory often exhibits a cross-hatched pattern of striations under microscopy.
Chemical Testing
Chemical testing can identify specific chemical compounds that are indicative of artificial treatments. For instance, the presence of high levels of heavy metals or synthetic polymers may suggest the use of artificial treatments.
Table of Artificial Treatments
| Treatment | Detection Method |
|---|---|
| Fluorescent additives | UV lamp |
| Radiocarbon dating | Radiocarbon dating |
| Density measurements | Density measurements |
| Microscopic examination | Microscopic examination |
| Chemical testing | Chemical testing |
Scratch Test
The scratch test is a simple and effective way to differentiate between ivory and other materials. To perform the test, you will need a sharp object, such as a needle or a knife. Carefully scratch the surface of the material in an inconspicuous area. If the material is ivory, it will produce a fine, white powder. If the material is plastic or bone, it will produce a different type of powder or shavings.
Here are some additional details about the scratch test:
- The scratch test is best performed on a flat surface.
- Use a sharp object, such as a needle or a knife.
- Scratch the surface of the material in an inconspicuous area.
- If the material is ivory, it will produce a fine, white powder.
- If the material is plastic or bone, it will produce a different type of powder or shavings.
The scratch test is a reliable way to identify ivory, but it is not always foolproof. Some plastics and bones can produce a similar powder to ivory. If you are unsure about the results of the scratch test, you may want to consult with a professional.
| Material | Powder |
|---|---|
| Ivory | Fine, white |
| Plastic | Coarse, white or colored |
| Bone | Coarse, yellow or brown |
UV Light Inspection
UV light inspection is a non-destructive method to identify ivory from other materials. It harnesses ultra-violet light’s unique properties to differentiate between materials based on their fluorescence, the emission of visible light in response to ultraviolet excitation.
When exposed to UV light, genuine ivory typically emits a pale blue glow. This phenomenon occurs due to the presence of collagen, a protein found in animal tissues, which emits a fluorescent response under ultraviolet radiation.
In contrast, synthetic ivory and other materials often exhibit different fluorescence patterns or no reaction at all under UV light. This distinction aids in distinguishing genuine ivory from imitations.
To perform UV light inspection:
- Obtain a UV flashlight with a wavelength between 254 nm and 365 nm, commonly known as a “black light.”
- Darken the area around the specimen to eliminate interference from ambient light.
- Hold the UV flashlight close to the ivory surface, approximately 1-2 inches away.
- Observe the fluorescence reaction under UV exposure.
- Compare the fluorescence pattern to known genuine ivory and other materials for reference.
In addition to the pale blue fluorescence, genuine ivory may exhibit additional fluorescence characteristics:
| Fluorescence Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Spot Fluorescence | Small, bright blue spots scattered across the ivory surface |
| Line Fluorescence | Thin, blue lines or streaks visible under UV light |
| Vein Fluorescence | Prominent blue veins or patterns resembling the vascular system |
Chemical Tests
9. Hot Needle Test
This test is commonly used to differentiate between ivory and plastic or bone. A hot needle is inserted into the material. Ivory will release a faint odor of burnt hair, plastic will melt, and bone will release a distinct odor of burnt protein.
To perform the hot needle test, follow these steps:
- Heat a needle on a flame until it is red hot.
- Carefully touch the tip of the hot needle to the material.
- Observe the reaction and smell the odor released.
A table summarizing the results of the test is provided below:
| Material | Reaction | Odor |
|---|---|---|
| Ivory | Softens and burns slightly | Burnt hair |
| Plastic | Melts | Chemical odor |
| Bone | Burns slowly | Burnt protein |
Expert Appraisal
Identifying ivory requires specialized knowledge and experience. Consulting an expert appraiser is highly recommended for accurate identification and assessment of your item.
Factors Considered
Expert appraisers will examine various factors to determine the authenticity and origin of ivory, including:
- Age: Patina, discoloration, and wear can provide clues about the age of ivory.
- Species: Specific characteristics distinguish ivory from different elephant species (e.g., Asian, African).
- Density: Genuine ivory is denser than artificial substitutes like plastic or bone.
- Carving or Engraving: Intricate carvings and engravings may indicate the item’s age and cultural significance.
- Surface Texture: Ivory has a distinctive cross-hatching pattern visible under magnification.
- Fluorescence: Under ultraviolet light, certain types of ivory may exhibit unique fluorescence.
- Odor: Ivory has a characteristic earthy smell that is distinct from other materials.
- Chemical Composition: Advanced analytical techniques can determine the chemical composition of ivory to differentiate it from similar substances.
- Documentation: Provenance and acquisition history can provide valuable information about the legality and authenticity of ivory.
- Comparative Analysis: Comparison with museum collections or established reference samples can aid in identification.
How To Identify Ivory
Ivory is a valuable material that has been used for centuries to make a variety of objects, from jewelry to furniture. However, the illegal ivory trade is a major problem, and it is important to be able to identify ivory so that you can avoid buying products that support this trade.
There are a few key ways to identify ivory. First, ivory is very hard and dense. It will not scratch easily, and it will feel heavy in your hand. Second, ivory has a distinctive grain pattern. The grain lines are usually fine and parallel, and they may be slightly wavy. Third, ivory is often translucent. If you hold a piece of ivory up to the light, you should be able to see through it slightly.
If you are not sure whether or not a piece of material is ivory, you can take it to a jeweler or other expert for identification. They will be able to tell you whether or not the material is ivory, and they can also provide you with information about the legality of the item.
People Also Ask About How To Identify Ivory
What is the difference between ivory and bone?
Ivory is a material that is made from the tusks or teeth of elephants or other animals. Bone is a material that is made from the skeletons of animals. Ivory is harder and denser than bone, and it has a distinctive grain pattern. Bone is not as hard or dense as ivory, and it does not have a distinctive grain pattern.
How can I tell if ivory is real or fake?
There are a few ways to tell if ivory is real or fake. First, real ivory is hard and dense. It will not scratch easily, and it will feel heavy in your hand. Second, real ivory has a distinctive grain pattern. The grain lines are usually fine and parallel, and they may be slightly wavy. Third, real ivory is often translucent. If you hold a piece of real ivory up to the light, you should be able to see through it slightly.
Is it legal to buy and sell ivory?
In most countries, it is illegal to buy and sell ivory. The international trade in ivory is banned under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). However, there are some exceptions to this ban. For example, it is legal to buy and sell ivory that was harvested before CITES was adopted in 1973. It is also legal to buy and sell ivory that is from countries that have been granted an exemption by CITES.
