What is ivory bone?

What is ivory bone?

Ivory is the teeth of animals. … Chemically, ivory is similar to bone and antler, and comprises a collagen matrix with a mineral component. Unlike bone, ivory has no blood vessel system, and is therefore more dense. The most commonly found ivories in North America come from elephant, walrus, sperm whale, and hornbill.

How do you tell the difference between ivory and plastic?

Pores will look like very small dots or holes covering the surface of your piece. If the piece is porous, it is almost certainly bone. Examine for lines to determine that your piece is ivory. When you examine your piece under a magnifying glass, if you are looking at ivory, there will be lines on the surface.

Is it legal to own ivory?

Under Federal law, you can sell your African elephant ivory within your state (intrastate commerce) if you can demonstrate that your ivory was lawfully imported prior to the date that the African elephant was listed in CITES Appendix I (January 18, 1990). … Some states have laws prohibiting or restricting sale of ivory.

What is ivory used for?

Commercial uses of ivory include the manufacture of piano and organ keys, billiard balls, handles, and minor objects of decorative value. In modern industry, ivory is used in the manufacture of electrical appliances, including specialized electrical equipment for airplanes and radar.