3 Quick and Easy Tricks to Spot Real Ivory

Image of real ivory

Distinguishing genuine ivory from its imitations is a crucial skill, particularly in the realm of antiques and art collecting. The intrinsic charm of ivory has made it a coveted material throughout history, but its rarity and the ethical concerns surrounding the ivory trade have necessitated the development of methods to differentiate between authentic ivory and its synthetic counterparts. Whether you’re an avid collector, a curious observer, or simply someone who wants to make informed decisions, mastering the art of ivory identification will empower you to navigate the complexities of this fascinating material.

One of the most telling indicators of real ivory is its texture. Genuine ivory possesses a smooth, velvety feel, devoid of any noticeable grain or texture. The surface should be slightly porous, allowing for tiny dentin tubes (microscopic channels) to be visible under magnification. These dentin tubes are characteristic of ivory and are not found in imitations. Conversely, synthetic ivory, such as that made from plastic or resin, tends to have a more uniform texture, lacking the subtle variations and porosity of real ivory.

Another key factor to consider is the color and translucence of the ivory. Natural ivory exhibits a warm, creamy hue that may vary slightly depending on the age and source of the material. When held up to a light source, genuine ivory typically displays a degree of translucence, allowing light to pass through it to some extent. In contrast, imitations, particularly those made from plastic, often appear more opaque and lack the same level of translucence as genuine ivory. While some synthetic ivories may be designed to mimic the color and translucence of real ivory, close examination will often reveal subtle differences that can distinguish them.

Identifying the Grain

Examining the grain pattern is crucial for distinguishing real ivory from synthetics or imitations. Here are some specific indicators to look for:

Schreger Lines: These are fine, wavy lines that run parallel to the surface of the ivory. They are visible under magnification and create a distinctive “rippled” appearance. Real ivory exhibits intricate and highly ordered Schreger lines, while imitations may have lines that are less defined or absent.
Havers’ Canals: These are tiny blood vessels that create a network of microscopic pores within the ivory. Under high magnification, these pores appear as minute black or brown dots. Genuine ivory has a dense network of Havers’ canals, whereas imitations may have larger, less numerous pores.
Directionality: Ivory is an anisotropic material, meaning its properties vary depending on the direction of the grain. Real ivory exhibits a distinctive “grain pattern” that runs in a parallel alignment to the surface. Imitations may have a more random or inconsistent grain pattern.

Real Ivory	Imitation Ivory
Intricate and highly ordered Schreger lines	Less defined or absent Schreger lines
Dense network of Havers’ canals	Larger, less numerous pores
Distinctive grain pattern running parallel to the surface	Random or inconsistent grain pattern

Examining the Color

The color of ivory is not as straightforward as it may seem. Contrary to popular belief, not all ivory is pure white. Instead, its hues can vary depending on its origin and age. African ivory tends to have a creamy or yellowish tint, while Asian ivory often displays a more pinkish undertone.

As ivory ages, it undergoes a natural process called patina, which results in a darkening and yellowing of the material. This patina can be uneven, creating areas of darker and lighter colors. The presence of patina is a good indication of the age and authenticity of ivory.

Origin	Hue
African	Creamy, yellowish
Asian	Pinkish

Checking the Texture

1. Look for a grainy texture: Real ivory has a distinctive grainy texture that can be felt when rubbed against the skin. This texture is caused by the microscopic tubules that run through the ivory.

2. Check for lines and striations: Real ivory often exhibits fine lines and striations, which are caused by the growth patterns of the elephant’s tusk. These lines and striations can be seen when the ivory is held up to the light.

3. Test for hardness: Real ivory is a hard material, and it should not easily scratch when rubbed against a metal object. To test the hardness of ivory, gently rub the tip of a knife or needle against a small, inconspicuous area of the ivory. If the ivory scratches easily, it is likely not real.

Material	Mohs Scale Hardness
Ivory	2.5
Bone	3
Antler	3.5
Plastic	2

The Mohs Scale of Hardness is a measure of the relative hardness of materials, with diamonds being the hardest (10) and talc being the softest (1). Ivory falls between bone and antler in hardness, and it is harder than most plastics.

Testing for Weight

One of the most reliable ways to distinguish real ivory from plastics or imitations is by testing its weight. Genuine ivory is denser than most other materials, so it will feel heavy for its size.

To perform a weight test, hold the suspicious item in one hand and compare it to a similar-sized object made of a known material, such as plastic or bone. If the suspected ivory feels noticeably heavier, it is more likely to be genuine.

Additional Tips for Weight Testing

Use a scale: If possible, weigh the object on a digital scale to get an accurate measurement. Real ivory should weigh more than the same volume of other materials.
Consider the size: Larger ivory objects will obviously weigh more than smaller ones. Be sure to compare the weights of items that are similar in size.
Beware of weighted imitations: Some unscrupulous manufacturers may add weights inside plastic or bone imitations to make them appear heavier. To test for this, gently shake the object. If you hear a rattling sound, it is likely a weighted imitation.

Material	Density (g/cm³)
Ivory	1.7-1.9
Plastic	0.9-1.3
Bone	1.5-1.7

Determining the Age

One of the most important factors in assessing the value of ivory is its age. Older ivory is generally more valuable, as it has had more time to develop its characteristic color and texture. There are a few key ways to determine the age of ivory:

1. Examine the Color

Older ivory tends to be a deeper, more yellow color than newer ivory. This is because ivory undergoes a natural aging process that causes it to become darker and more mellow over time.

2. Check for Cracks

Cracks are a sign of age in ivory. As ivory ages, it becomes more brittle and prone to cracking. Therefore, the presence of cracks can indicate that the ivory is older.

3. Look for Patina

Patina is a thin layer of oxidation that forms on the surface of ivory over time. Patina can range in color from light brown to dark green and is a sign that the ivory is older.

4. Examine the Grain

The grain of ivory can also provide clues to its age. Newer ivory has a finer grain than older ivory, which has a coarser grain. This is because, as ivory ages, the crystalline structure becomes more disorganized.

5. Use Scientific Techniques

Scientific techniques such as radiocarbon dating can be used to determine the age of ivory with greater accuracy. This technique measures the amount of radioactive carbon in the ivory and can provide an accurate age estimate. Here is a table summarizing the scientific techniques used to determine the age of ivory:

Method	Accuracy	Cost
Radiocarbon dating	+/- 100 years	$500-1000
Dendrochronology	+/- 20 years	$200-500
Thermoluminescence	+/- 50 years	$100-200

Observing the Veining

Ivory’s veining is one of its most distinctive characteristics. Real ivory will have visible growth lines that create a natural pattern, known as Schreger lines. These lines are typically darker than the surrounding ivory and can be seen in both transverse and longitudinal sections. The veining should appear consistent and continuous, with no obvious breaks or interruptions.

Fake ivory, on the other hand, often exhibits artificial or inconsistent veining. The lines may be too uniform or too random, and they may fade or disappear in certain areas. In some cases, fake ivory may have veins that are painted or etched onto the surface, resulting in a less natural appearance.

Below is a table that summarizes the key differences between the veining in real and fake ivory:

Characteristic	Real Ivory	Fake Ivory
Vein Appearance	Visible, natural growth lines (Schreger lines)	Artificial or inconsistent lines, may be painted or etched
Vein Consistency	Continuous and unbroken	May be broken or interrupted, or fade in certain areas
Vein Depth	Veins are present throughout the ivory	Veins may be superficial or only present in certain areas

Using a Magnifying Glass

Examining ivory under magnification can reveal several telltale signs that distinguish it from imitations.

1. Natural Grain Structure: Real ivory exhibits a unique grain pattern that appears as a series of tightly packed lines or “Schreger lines.” These lines run parallel to the length of the tusk and create a distinct moiré effect when viewed under magnification.

2. Absence of Pores: Unlike imitations, real ivory lacks visible pores or air bubbles when examined under magnification. The surface appears smooth and uniform, with no signs of air pockets.

3. Color and Transparency: Real ivory typically has a slightly yellowish or creamy color, which may vary in intensity depending on the age and species of the elephant. When viewed under magnification, it appears translucent, allowing light to pass through it.

4. Luster: Genuine ivory has a unique “pearly” luster, resulting from the reflection of light off its crystalline structure. This luster is not present in imitations.

5. Scratch Test: A gentle scratch on the surface of real ivory will produce a fine, powdery white residue. Imitations, on the other hand, may leave a different residue or no residue at all.

6. Cross-Section: When examining a cross-section of ivory under magnification, you may notice concentric rings or lines. These are known as “annular rings” and indicate the age of the ivory.

7. Microscopic Analysis: The definitive way to identify real ivory is through microscopic analysis. A trained professional can examine the ivory’s microstructure to determine its composition, age, and origin. This is a highly specialized technique and is often used for forensic purposes.

Consulting an Expert

If you have any doubts about the authenticity of an ivory object, consult an expert. This could be a museum curator, an antiques dealer, or a jeweller specialising in ivory. They will be able to examine the object and provide you with a professional opinion.

Characteristics of Natural Ivory

Natural ivory has a number of characteristics that can help you to identify it.

It is a hard, dense material that is smooth to the touch.
It has a warm, creamy colour that can vary from white to yellow.
It is often translucent, allowing light to pass through it.
It has a unique grain pattern that is visible when it is held up to the light.
It is porous, so it can absorb moisture and oils.
It is flexible, so it can be carved into intricate shapes.
It is durable, so it can last for centuries.
It is biodegradable, so it will eventually decompose.

By understanding these characteristics, you can help to spot real ivory and avoid being fooled by fakes.

Here is a table summarizing the key characteristics of natural ivory:

Characteristic	Description
Hardness	Hard and dense
Colour	Warm, creamy colour that can vary from white to yellow
Translucency	Often translucent, allowing light to pass through it
Grain pattern	Unique grain pattern that is visible when it is held up to the light
Porosity	Porous, so it can absorb moisture and oils
Flexibility	Flexible, so it can be carved into intricate shapes
Durability	Durable, so it can last for centuries
Biodegradability	Biodegradable, so it will eventually decompose

Buying from a Reputable Source

When seeking genuine ivory, selecting a reputable supplier is essential. Renowned auction houses, antique dealers, and established online retailers are recognized for their expertise in handling authentic items.

Here are additional tips to consider when buying from a reputable source:

1. Verify credentials: Research the seller’s reputation and credentials with organizations like the International Ivory Society or the Art Loss Register.

2. Request documentation: Ask for provenance documentation, which should include the item’s origin, history, and any legal certifications.

3. Inspect the premises: If possible, visit the seller’s premises and examine the items in person to assess their authenticity.

4. Compare prices: Be wary of extremely low prices, as they may indicate questionable origins or imitations.

5. Trust your instincts: If any aspect of the transaction raises concerns, it’s advisable to seek a second opinion from an expert.

Reputable Source	Questionable Source
Established auction houses	Unknown or shady dealers
Antiques dealers with expertise	Street vendors or individuals
Recognized online retailers	Unverified websites
Provide provenance documentation	Lack of documentation
Allow personal inspection	Pressure to purchase without inspection

Relying on Technology

Technological advancements have provided valuable tools for identifying real ivory. Here are a few methods that leverage technology:

1. X-ray Fluorescence (XRF)

XRF is a non-destructive testing technique that measures the elemental composition of a material. Ivory contains specific elements, such as calcium and phosphorus, which can be detected by XRF. The presence and ratio of these elements help in distinguishing ivory from similar materials.

2. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

OCT is an imaging technique that produces cross-sectional images of a material’s interior. Ivory has a unique microstructure called Schreger lines, which are visible under OCT. The presence and arrangement of these lines provide reliable indicators of genuine ivory.

3. Raman Spectroscopy

Raman spectroscopy uses lasers to excite molecules in a material. The resulting scattered light contains information about the material’s chemical composition. Ivory exhibits characteristic Raman spectra that can be used for identification.

4. Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)

LIBS is a technique that vaporizes a small portion of a material using a laser. The vaporized atoms emit light of specific wavelengths, which indicate the elemental composition of the material. Ivory’s unique elemental signature can be detected using LIBS.

5. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI algorithms can be trained to classify ivory based on various parameters, such as texture, color, and spectral data. By combining multiple data sources and learning from extensive datasets, AI systems can achieve high accuracy in identifying genuine ivory.

How To Spot Real Ivory

Ivory is a beautiful and valuable material that has been used for centuries to create a variety of objects, from jewelry to furniture. However, the illegal ivory trade is a major threat to elephants, and it is important to be able to identify real ivory so that you can avoid buying products that support this cruel industry.

Here are a few tips on how to spot real ivory:

Look for the grain. Real ivory has a very fine grain that is visible to the naked eye. If you can see large grains or pores, the material is likely not ivory.
Feel the weight. Ivory is a very dense material, so it will feel heavy for its size. If the material you are holding feels light, it is likely not ivory.
Check the color. Real ivory is typically white or cream-colored. If the material you are holding is yellowed or has a greenish tint, it is likely not ivory.
Use a black light. Real ivory will fluoresce under a black light, meaning it will glow a bright white color. If the material you are holding does not fluoresce, it is likely not ivory.

If you are still unsure whether or not a material is real ivory, you can take it to a jeweler or other expert for identification.