Ivory, the precious material derived from elephant tusks, has captivated human desire for centuries. Its captivating beauty and versatility have made it an object of trade, art, and adornment. However, the rampant trade in ivory has led to a significant decline in elephant populations, raising ethical concerns and necessitating stringent regulations. As such, recognizing ivory has become crucial for curbing illegal trade, protecting endangered species, and preserving the integrity of cultural artifacts.
Distinguishing ivory from other materials requires a keen eye and an understanding of its unique characteristics. Genuine ivory possesses a smooth, creamy surface with a faint yellowish hue. Its texture is generally hard and dense, with a slightly porous appearance. Fine parallel lines, known as Schreger lines, can often be observed under magnification, creating a distinct “cross-hatched” pattern. Additionally, ivory has a high specific gravity, rendering it heavier than many other materials.
In contrast to genuine ivory, substitutes may exhibit subtle differences. Synthetic ivory, crafted from plastics or resins, often lacks the natural warmth and grain of genuine ivory. It may also feel lighter and less dense. Bone, another common substitute, possesses a more porous structure and a duller appearance than ivory. Its surface may reveal small pits or depressions, and it is typically less durable. By carefully examining these characteristics, individuals can develop the expertise to recognize ivory and contribute to the fight against illegal wildlife trade.
The Sight Test
Ivory is a valuable material that has been used for centuries to create beautiful objects. However, due to its rarity, there is a high demand for illegal ivory, which has led to a decline in elephant populations. As a result, it is important to be able to recognize ivory so that you can avoid buying products that are made from illegal ivory.
One of the easiest ways to recognize ivory is by sight. Ivory is a white or cream-colored material that is typically smooth and hard. It is also very dense, so it will feel heavy in your hand. Additionally, ivory has a distinctive grain pattern that is visible when it is held up to the light.
There are a few different ways to test the sight of ivory. One way is to use a magnifying glass to look for the grain pattern. The grain pattern in ivory is unique, and it can be used to distinguish ivory from other materials. Another way to test the sight of ivory is to hold it up to the light. Real ivory will be translucent, and it will allow light to pass through it. Finally, you can use a cotton ball to rub the ivory. If the cotton ball turns yellow, then the ivory is likely real.
| Property | Real Ivory | Fake Ivory |
|---|---|---|
| Color | White or cream-colored | Can be a variety of colors |
| Texture | Smooth and hard | Can be rough or soft |
| Density | Heavy | Light |
| Grain pattern | Unique and visible when held up to the light | Can be simulated, but not exactly the same |
| Translucency | Allows light to pass through | Opaque |
| Reaction to cotton ball | Turns cotton ball yellow | No reaction |
The Scratch Test
The scratch test is a simple and effective way to determine if an object is made of ivory. To perform the test, you will need a sharp object, such as a needle or a knife. Gently scratch the surface of the object in an inconspicuous area. If the object is made of ivory, the scratch will be smooth and white. If the object is made of another material, the scratch will be rough and may have a different color.
Here are some additional tips for performing the scratch test:
- Use a sharp object to scratch the surface of the object. A dull object will not be able to penetrate the ivory and will not produce a smooth scratch.
- Scratch the object in an inconspicuous area. This will help to prevent damage to the object.
- If the scratch is smooth and white, the object is likely made of ivory.
- If the scratch is rough or has a different color, the object is likely made of another material.
| Material | Scratch Test Result |
|---|---|
| Ivory | Smooth, white scratch |
| Bone | Rough, white scratch |
| Plastic | Rough, clear scratch |
| Wood | Rough, brown scratch |
The Heat Test
The heat test is a quick and easy way to determine if an object is made of ivory. To perform the test, you will need a heated needle or a lighter.
Carefully heat the needle or lighter and then touch it to the surface of the object. If the object is made of ivory, it will turn brown or black and smell like burning hair. If the object is not made of ivory, it will not change color or smell.
Here are some additional tips for performing the heat test:
- Use a small needle or lighter to avoid damaging the object.
- Heat the needle or lighter for a few seconds before touching it to the object.
- Touch the needle or lighter to an inconspicuous area of the object.
- Observe the color and smell of the object after it has been heated.
| Result | Material |
|---|---|
| Turns brown or black and smells like burning hair | Ivory |
| Does not change color or smell | Not ivory |
The Breath Test
The breath test is a non-destructive method for identifying ivory. It involves placing a small piece of the material in a container and breathing on it. If the material is ivory, the breath will cause the surface to become slightly moist and sticky. This is due to the presence of calcium carbonate, which is found in ivory but not in other materials. The breath test is not foolproof, but it can be a helpful way to narrow down the possibilities when trying to identify ivory.
How to Perform the Breath Test
To perform the breath test, follow these steps:
- Place a small piece of the material to be tested in a plastic bag or container.
- Seal the bag or container and leave it for a few minutes to allow the air inside to become saturated with moisture.
- Open the bag or container and breathe into it for several seconds.
- Close the bag or container and wait for a few minutes.
- Open the bag or container and examine the material. If the surface is slightly moist and sticky, it is likely to be ivory.
Interpreting the Results of the Breath Test
The results of the breath test can be interpreted as follows:
Result Interpretation The surface of the material is slightly moist and sticky The material is likely to be ivory The surface of the material is not moist or sticky The material is not ivory Limitations of the Breath Test
The breath test is not foolproof. There are a few materials that can give a false positive result, including bone, horn, and some types of plastic. Additionally, the test may not be able to distinguish between ivory and other materials that have been treated with chemicals or oils.
The Float Test
The float test is a simple but effective method for distinguishing ivory from other materials. Here’s how to perform the test:
1. Fill a glass of water with room-temperature water.
2. Carefully drop the suspected ivory object into the water.
3. Observe the object’s behavior:
a. Floats on the surface:
Objects made of ivory will typically float on the surface of the water. Ivory has a relatively low density, which causes it to be buoyant.
b. Sinks to the bottom:
Objects made of other materials, such as bone or plastic, will typically sink to the bottom of the water. These materials have a higher density than ivory.
c. Partially floats and partially sinks:
Objects that are partially made of ivory or have a composite structure may partially float and partially sink. This behavior indicates that the object is not entirely composed of ivory.
4. Gently stir the water to observe any movement:
a. Rotates freely:
Genuine ivory objects will typically rotate freely in the water. This is because ivory is a relatively hard material and does not easily absorb water.
b. Sticks to the side of the glass:
Objects made of other materials, such as bone or plastic, may stick to the side of the glass. These materials are more porous and can absorb water, causing them to become heavier and stick to surfaces.
c. Breaks apart:
Objects made of fragile materials, such as eggshell or porcelain, may break apart in the water. This behavior is not typical of genuine ivory.
5. Note the time it takes for the object to sink or float:
Material Time to Float/Sink Ivory Floats immediately or within a few seconds Bone Sinks immediately or within a few seconds Plastic Sinks immediately or may float for a short time Eggshell Sinks immediately or breaks apart Porcelain Sinks immediately or breaks apart The Burn Test
1. Safety First
Before conducting the burn test, ensure you are in a well-ventilated area and wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves, goggles, and a mask. Ivory, when burned, releases toxic fumes that can be harmful if inhaled.
2. Prepare the Specimen
Obtain a small sample of the material you suspect to be ivory. Use a sharp knife or a drill to extract a tiny piece, ensuring minimal disturbance to the original object.
3. Light a Flame
Using a lighter or match, ignite a small flame. Ensure the flame is steady and produces a small amount of heat.
4. Apply the Specimen
Carefully hold the ivory sample using tongs or tweezers. Position the sample over the flame, but do not touch it directly to the flame.
5. Observe the Reaction
Ivory, when exposed to heat, will typically behave as follows:
Observation Result Turns black Genuine ivory Charred or burns slowly Ivory mixed with another material Melts or bubbles Plastic or other synthetic material 6. Further Examination
If the burn test yields inconclusive results, additional tests may be necessary. These tests require specialized equipment and expertise, and should be conducted by a professional conservator or a laboratory. These tests include:
- Polarized light microscopy: Examines the structure of the material to identify the presence of dentin tubules, a characteristic of ivory.
- Chemical analysis: Uses chemical reactions to determine the composition of the material and identify ivory.
- X-ray microtomography: Creates a detailed 3D image of the material to visualize its internal structure.
The Color Test
The color test is a simple, non-destructive way to identify ivory from other materials. Ivory is composed of dentin, a calcium-based material that is naturally white or cream-colored. Over time, ivory can yellow or darken, especially if exposed to sunlight or other environmental factors. To perform the color test, simply examine the object in natural light. If it is white or cream-colored, it is likely ivory. If it is yellowed or darkened, it may be ivory, bone, or another material.
Color Material White or cream Ivory Yellowed or darkened Ivory, bone, or other material To further distinguish ivory from bone, you can observe the following characteristics:
- Grain: Ivory has a fine, even grain, while bone has a coarser, more irregular grain.
- Hardness: Ivory is harder than bone and can be scratched with a sharp object. Bone, on the other hand, is softer and will not scratch as easily.
- Weight: Ivory is denser than bone and will feel heavier in your hand.
- Translucency: Ivory is translucent and can be seen through when held up to light. Bone is opaque and will not allow light to pass through.
- Etching: Ivory can be etched with a strong acid, such as nitric acid, to reveal a fine crosshatching pattern. Bone will not etch as easily and will produce a smoother surface.
- Burning: When ivory is burned, it will produce a white ash and a strong odor of burning hair. Bone, on the other hand, will produce a black ash and a weaker odor.
The Translucent Test
The translucent test is a simple method to distinguish between ivory and other similar materials. Ivory has a unique crystalline structure that transmits light in a specific way. To perform the test, follow these steps:
- Hold the object up to a light source.
- Place a piece of white paper behind the object.
- Look through the object towards the light.
If the object is ivory, you will see a soft, even glow. This is because the crystalline structure of ivory scatters light in a way that creates a translucent appearance. Other materials, such as bone or plastic, will typically appear more opaque or cloudy.
Here is a table summarizing the results of the translucent test for different materials:
Material Translucency Ivory Soft, even glow Bone Opaque or cloudy Plastic Opaque or cloudy The translucent test is a useful tool for identifying ivory, but it is not foolproof. Some materials, such as certain types of plastic, can mimic the translucency of ivory. If you are unsure about the authenticity of an object, it is best to consult with an expert for further testing.
How To Recognize Ivory
Ivory is a hard, white material that is obtained from the tusks of elephants and other animals, such as walruses and hippos. It has been used for centuries to make a variety of objects, including jewelry, carvings, and piano keys. However, the trade in ivory is now banned in many countries, as it contributes to the decline of elephant populations.
There are a few key ways to recognize ivory, including its color, texture, and grain. Ivory is typically a creamy white color, but it can also be stained or colored. It is hard and smooth to the touch, and it has a fine grain.
If you are not sure whether an object is made of ivory, you can perform a few simple tests. One test is to scratch the surface of the object with a sharp object. If the object is made of ivory, it will not scratch easily. Another test is to hold the object up to a light. If the object is made of ivory, it will let light pass through it.
It is important to be able to recognize ivory so that you can avoid buying or selling products that are made from this protected material.
People Also Ask About How To Recognize Ivory
What is the difference between ivory and plastic?
Ivory is a natural material that is obtained from the tusks of elephants and other animals, while plastic is a synthetic material that is made from chemicals. Ivory is harder and more durable than plastic, and it has a finer grain. Ivory is also more expensive than plastic.
How can I tell if an object is made of ivory?
There are a few key ways to recognize ivory, including its color, texture, and grain. Ivory is typically a creamy white color, but it can also be stained or colored. It is hard and smooth to the touch, and it has a fine grain. If you are not sure whether an object is made of ivory, you can perform a few simple tests. One test is to scratch the surface of the object with a sharp object. If the object is made of ivory, it will not scratch easily. Another test is to hold the object up to a light. If the object is made of ivory, it will let light pass through it.
What are the dangers of buying or selling ivory?
The trade in ivory is now banned in many countries, as it contributes to the decline of elephant populations. Elephants are killed for their tusks, which are then used to make a variety of products, including jewelry, carvings, and piano keys. Buying or selling ivory products is illegal in many countries, and it can also put you at risk of being fined or even imprisoned.
