How to Buy or Sell — Ivory

Ivory does not only come from elephant tusks. Ivory can also be from other animals, such as walruses, hippopotamuses, or whales. There is also “vegetable ivory.” Some vegetable materials have a similar texture and density and look like ivory, but it is possible to see growth rings on a large piece of an elephant’s tusk. Some types of plastic look very much like ivory. Determining whether you have ivory or plastic may prove a problem. The standard test is to heat a needle red hot while holding it with pliers. Press the point of the needle into the bottom of the ivory piece. Plastic will melt, but ivory will not.