[NHCOLL-L:1107] Re: ivory

[Susan Woodward]

Elephant ivory usually has distinctive crossing lines in transverse sections.

Apparently sulphuric acid will bubble on organic material and jus roll off inorganic material.  I have never used this test personally.  I prefer the fine scrappings and a match - quick and minimally destructive.

Then there are the supporting characteristics.  Look and feel. Anyway, ivory feels cool to the touch ... try your cheek to test this.   Plastics heat up quite quickly ... for example in the sun ... I have had a fake scrimshaw that I almost dropped when I took it out of the cotton bag it was in because it was so hot.  The fellow who brought it in had had it sitting beside him in the front seat ... I don't know whether it had a seat belt on or not ... sorry couldn't resist.  Of course look and feel are not singularly diagnostic.

Susan

Susan M. Woodward
Assistant Curator
Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation
     Biology - Mammals
Royal Ontario Museum
100 Queens Park
Toronto, ON
M5S 2C6

Phone      416/586-5768
FAX         416/586-5553
E-mail      susanw at rom.on.ca