Buzz
Ivory originates from the tusks and teeth of elephants, whales, and various other animals. Although bone and ivory may share similarities in appearance, weight, and texture, ivory typically holds greater value and is subject to stricter regulations than bone. Begin by identifying whether the item is bone or ivory rather than a synthetic or alternative material. Following that, you can utilize a magnifying lens to easily discern between these two substances.
Procedure
Inspecting Using a Magnifying Lens
Select an appropriate magnifying lens for your artifact. Magnifying glasses are available in various sizes and with different features. For most bone or ivory artifacts, a standard handheld magnifying glass suffices, enabling you to observe sufficient detail to differentiate between the materials and regulate the proximity for examination. Handheld magnifying glasses can be bought online or at select specialty and hobby stores. Alternatively, you may find handheld magnifying glasses at certain home decor outlets.
- You may opt for a microscope, although these are generally more costly than magnifying glasses, especially for larger bone or ivory artifacts.
Position the magnifying glass above the item. Whether held in hand or placed on a flat surface, position your handheld magnifying glass over the item, starting from a few inches away. Gradually bring the magnifying glass closer until the details become clear, revealing intricate markings on the item.
- If employing a microscope, follow the setup instructions and adjust the lens until the details are sharply defined.
Search for pores as an indication of bone material. As details emerge under the magnifying lens, closely examine the surface for lines or pores. The presence of pores typically signifies bone material.
- Pores will manifest as tiny dots or holes covering the surface.
Inspect for lines to confirm ivory material. Under magnification, genuine ivory exhibits distinct surface lines, which may appear straight, cross-hatched, or in circular patterns.
Verifying Authenticity
Assess the weight by holding the item. Ivory and certain types of bone possess a substantial, dense weight, akin to that of a billiard ball of similar size. A lightweight feel suggests the item is not ivory, although it could still be bone.
- Bone and ivory may share similar weights. A solid, heavy feel doesn't guarantee ivory, but it does indicate the possibility.
- If uncertain about solidity, utilize a scale for measurement. While ivory weight can vary, common types, such as tusks, typically weigh around 1.4 pounds (0.64 kg) per inch (2.5 cm) of length.
Inspect the item under a UV black light. Acquire a black lightbulb or a black light flashlight. If using a bulb, screw it into a lamp in a dimly lit room. Turn on the black light, ensuring the room is dark. Examine the item's color under the black light. Genuine ivory and bone emit a bright white glow, while synthetic materials absorb light and appear dull.
- Some replicas or synthetics may also glow white, so conduct multiple tests to confirm authenticity.
Validate materials through examination.'We suspected our piece might be antique ivory, but upon magnification, we noticed the absence of ivory's characteristic smooth lines. Instead, we observed numerous tiny pores, confirming it as 19th-century bone. Checking for pores proved invaluable!' - Adam D.
Gain insights into differentiating ivories.'I've always been curious about distinguishing ivory from bone. This article provided the clarity I needed. The close-up images comparing ivory's lines to bone's pores were particularly enlightening. Now, I'll be able to identify the materials in antique items.' - Wendy K.
Ensure proper handling of valuable items.'My son recently inherited some ivory antiques from his grandfather. I wanted to ensure their authenticity and proper care. The information on weight, black lights, and legal aspects helped me verify their authenticity, allowing us to preserve these family heirlooms.' - Carl Mitchell
Be cautious when identifying materials.'My sister was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Now, I have to sort through her extensive antique collection. Following the advice in the article, using a magnifying glass and checking for smoothness helped me speculate that some heavy pieces might be ivory. However, I'll have them professionally examined to avoid being misled by dishonest antique dealers.' - Sandy E.
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Assess surface smoothness and hardness. Glide your finger across the piece to gauge its smoothness and durability. Genuine ivory and many types of bone feel exceptionally smooth and robust. Rough or soft surfaces indicate that the item is unlikely to be authentic ivory or bone.
- While some bone varieties may feel as smooth as ivory, most do not. Bone typically has a slightly rougher texture due to its porous nature. A buttery-smooth surface may suggest ivory, but further testing is necessary for confirmation.
- Although bone can be durable, it may not always be as sturdy as ivory. Small bones, for instance, are easily breakable compared to small ivory pieces.
- Exercise caution when assessing hardness, as synthetic and bone items can be prone to damage.
Check for natural yellowing due to aging. Unlike synthetic materials, which often maintain their color, both ivory and bone naturally develop a yellowish hue over time. While both materials may exhibit a yellow tint, bone can also display shades of brown, red, white, or green with age. An aged yellow tint suggests the presence of ivory or bone.
- Some imitation ivory or bone pieces are intentionally tinted yellow to mimic authenticity. Thus, additional testing is required to confirm whether your piece is bone or ivory and to identify the specific material.
Useful Tips
Important Warnings
- If your item is ivory, ensure its legality and understand the legal restrictions regarding its possession and use. African elephant ivory, for instance, is heavily regulated and can only be sold if its lawful importation predates January 18, 1990.
- Avoid using the hot pin test to differentiate between bone and ivory, as it can cause damage or ruin your item. This method is not recommended by experts.
