How to Tell Fake Ivory: A Comprehensive Guide

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Distinguishing between genuine ivory and its many imitations requires a keen eye and understanding of ivory’s unique characteristics. Look for Schreger lines (cross-hatch patterns unique to elephant and mammoth ivory), test the density (ivory feels heavy for its size), examine the color and texture (genuine ivory has subtle variations and a smooth, sometimes porous feel), and consider employing thermal and olfactory tests (ivory doesn’t heat up easily and has a faint odor when heated).

Decoding the Secrets of Ivory: Real vs. Fake

The allure of ivory, with its creamy hue and smooth texture, has captivated artisans and collectors for centuries. However, the ethical concerns surrounding elephant poaching and the subsequent ban on the international ivory trade have fueled a surge in ivory imitations. From plastics and resins to bone and vegetable ivory, the market is flooded with materials attempting to mimic the real thing. Learning to identify these fakes is crucial for responsible purchasing, protecting endangered species, and preserving the integrity of genuine antique ivory.

Understanding Authentic Ivory

Before delving into the detection of fakes, it’s vital to understand the properties of authentic ivory. Genuine ivory primarily comes from the tusks of elephants and mammoths (fossilized ivory). It’s characterized by:

• Schreger Lines: These are the most definitive identifier. They are cross-hatch patterns visible on the end grain of elephant and mammoth ivory, forming angles less than 90 degrees in elephant ivory and more than 115 degrees in mammoth ivory.
• Color and Texture: Ivory ranges from creamy white to yellowish-brown, often with subtle variations. The texture is generally smooth but can exhibit slight porosity. Over time, ivory can develop a patina, a subtle change in color and sheen.
• Density: Ivory is surprisingly dense and feels heavy for its size.
• Thermal Properties: Ivory is a poor conductor of heat and will feel relatively cool to the touch.
• Odor: When gently heated, genuine ivory emits a faint odor, often described as similar to burning hair.

Common Ivory Imitations

The market presents a wide array of materials designed to resemble ivory. Some of the most common imitations include:

• Plastics and Resins: Modern plastics, like acrylic and polyester resins, are widely used to create ivory simulants. These materials can be molded to replicate the shape and color of ivory.
• Bone: Bone, particularly cow bone, is a frequently used substitute. While bone shares some similarities with ivory, it lacks the characteristic Schreger lines and often exhibits a more porous and grainy texture.
• Vegetable Ivory (Tagua Nut): This material comes from the seed of the tagua palm. It possesses a similar hardness and color to ivory but has a distinct grain pattern and lacks Schreger lines.
• Casein Plastics (Galalith): An early plastic made from milk protein, Galalith can resemble ivory but often has a mottled appearance.
• Celluloid: An early plastic made from cellulose nitrate, celluloid can also mimic ivory but is highly flammable and will have a characteristic camphor smell.

Techniques for Identifying Fake Ivory

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you differentiate between genuine ivory and its imitations:

1. Visual Inspection:

   • Examine for Schreger Lines: This is the most critical step. Use a magnifying glass to inspect the end grain of the object. Authentic elephant ivory will exhibit Schreger lines with angles less than 90 degrees. Mammoth ivory will show Schreger lines with angles over 115 degrees.
   • Check the Color and Texture: Observe the overall color and texture. Genuine ivory often has subtle variations in color and a smooth, sometimes porous feel. Look for a natural grain and potential patina. Plastics tend to have a uniform color and a glossy, artificial appearance. Bone often has visible pores and a grainy texture.
   • Look for Mold Lines: Carefully inspect the object for mold lines or other signs of manufacturing processes indicative of plastics.

2. Tactile Examination:

   • Feel the Weight: Hold the object and assess its weight. Ivory is dense and will feel heavier than similarly sized objects made of plastic or bone.
   • Touch for Temperature: Touch the object. Ivory is a poor conductor of heat and will feel relatively cool to the touch compared to plastics, which tend to warm up quickly.

3. Thermal Test (Use with Caution):

   • Needle Test: Use a hot needle in an inconspicuous area. Ivory should not melt, but plastic imitations will. This test is destructive and should only be used as a last resort by someone who is experienced.

4. Olfactory Test (Use with Caution):

   • Heated Pin Test: Gently heat a needle and touch it to an inconspicuous area of the object. Smell the resulting odor. Genuine ivory emits a faint odor similar to burning hair. Plastics will have a chemical smell. This test is destructive and should only be used as a last resort by someone who is experienced.

5. Black Light Test:

   • Shine a black light (UV light) on the object: Old ivory typically glows with a blue-white fluorescence, while newer ivory or imitations may glow differently or not at all.

6. Magnification:

   • Use a magnifying glass or loupe: Examine the surface of the object closely. Genuine ivory often shows natural variations and microscopic details that are difficult to replicate in imitations.

7. Consult an Expert:

   • If you are uncertain, seek the opinion of a qualified appraiser or conservator specializing in ivory: These professionals have the knowledge and experience to accurately identify ivory and its imitations.

FAQs: Understanding Ivory and its Imitations

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further enhance your understanding of ivory identification:

1. What are Schreger lines, and why are they important? Schreger lines are cross-hatch patterns visible on the end grain of elephant and mammoth ivory. They are the most definitive indicator of genuine ivory. The angles of the lines differ between elephant and mammoth ivory.

2. Can Schreger lines be faked? While some sophisticated imitations might attempt to mimic Schreger lines, they often lack the natural complexity and precision found in genuine ivory. Examining the pattern under magnification can reveal inconsistencies.

3. Does all ivory have Schreger lines? Schreger lines are primarily visible on the end grain of the ivory. If an item is carved in a way that the end grain is not visible, it may be difficult to find these lines.

4. How reliable is the hot needle test? The hot needle test can be helpful but is destructive and should only be performed by experienced individuals in an inconspicuous area as a last resort. It is most useful in distinguishing plastics from ivory.

5. What is vegetable ivory, and how is it different from elephant ivory? Vegetable ivory, or Tagua nut, is a natural material derived from a palm tree. While it resembles ivory in color and hardness, it lacks Schreger lines and possesses a distinct grain pattern.

6. How can I tell the difference between bone and ivory? Bone typically has a more porous and grainy texture than ivory. Ivory is denser and exhibits Schreger lines, which are absent in bone.

7. What is the significance of patina on ivory? Patina is a subtle change in color and sheen that develops on ivory over time due to exposure to light and handling. It can be an indicator of age and authenticity.

8. Is it legal to own antique ivory? The legality of owning and selling ivory varies depending on the country and the age of the item. Many countries have restrictions or bans on the trade of ivory, particularly newly acquired ivory. Always research local laws before purchasing or selling ivory.

9. What is mammoth ivory, and how is it different from elephant ivory? Mammoth ivory comes from the tusks of extinct mammoths. It is often fossilized and can exhibit a different color range than elephant ivory. The Schreger lines in mammoth ivory have angles greater than 115 degrees.

10. Can I use acetone to test if an item is real ivory? No. Applying acetone can damage the surface of both real and fake ivory.

11. What is Galalith, and how does it resemble ivory? Galalith is an early plastic made from milk protein. It can be dyed to resemble ivory and polished to a smooth finish. However, it often has a mottled appearance and lacks Schreger lines.

12. How can I care for genuine ivory? Ivory should be kept in a stable environment with moderate humidity and temperature. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and harsh chemicals. Clean gently with a soft cloth.

13. Is there a reliable electronic device to detect fake ivory? While there is no single foolproof electronic device, some spectrometers can analyze the composition of materials and differentiate between ivory and its imitations. However, these devices are often expensive and require specialized knowledge to operate.

14. What should I do if I suspect I have purchased fake ivory? If you suspect you have purchased fake ivory, contact the seller and request a refund. If the seller is uncooperative, you may consider filing a complaint with consumer protection agencies or seeking legal advice.

15. Why is it important to be able to identify fake ivory? Being able to identify fake ivory is crucial for ethical purchasing, protecting endangered species, and ensuring that you are getting what you pay for. It helps to discourage the illegal trade of ivory and preserve the integrity of genuine antique ivory.