How do you identify ivory?

Answer 1

Plastic and resins are usually smoother than real ivory. Looking at bone under magnification you will see a lot of pitting something that real ivory will not have. The hot pin test can help you determine the difference between plastic, synthetic, bone and ivory. Its best to perform this test on the bottom of the object that is not visible as it may cause damage to plastic objects. Heat a needle until it is extremely hot than touch the needle against the object you are testing. A hot needle can not penetrate real ivory like it will a plastic or resin. When you touch bone with a hot needle smell the area that you touched. It should have a very unique smell like burning hair. When you touch ivory with a hot needle you will smell something more like a burning teeth dentist office type smell. Passing this test is a pretty good indication that you have real ivory.

Answer 2

Since ivory is not made much anymore, as it is illegal to kill elephants in most countries, much of the ivory you come across will look aged. Also, ivory is kind of a creamy whitish yellow color. For example, if a piano has ivory keys they will look imperfect, but plastic will be white and flawless.

Answer 3

Several ways.

1. Look for a very fine line where the key gets narrower (where the two parts on the top come together). If you see a line, it is probably ivory as they are made up of more than one part. Keys of plastic or other materials other than ivory will be in one piece.

2. If you look very closely- a magnifying glass would be helpful- and look for a pattern called Schreger Lines. These are found in ivory.

3. If your keys are older, look to see if they've turned a yellowy color. If they have, they're probably not made of plastic.

Answer 4

Heat up a pin and press it into the ivory if it does nothing it is real. If it melt trough it then it is fake.

Answer 5

i bought an ivory necklace from Africa at a garage sale .they had it over 40 years can i resale it

Answer 6

Antique dealers, places who sell curios and collectibles, auction houses.