Hi, I would like to share with you a few tips on identifying ivory from bone. To identify bone look on the surface of the item for dark broken lines, grooves, canals, pits, or small pores. Use a magnifying glass if necessary. Bone has a vascular system of small narrow channels where tiny nerves and vessels once ran through it. The organic remains of this material will decay and turn dark inside the grooves forming spots and/or broken lines.

Below is an image of a pair of bone dominos, circa 1925. Seen on the surface are small dark broken lines and spots that are clear indicators of bone.

Bleached bone will not show any dark organic material, but the canals that once contained it will remain. Often the broken lines typically run parallel to each other as seen in the area of the six green dots above. This is due to the fact canals usually form in the direction of the long axis of the bone.

High-grade bone items may prove a little more difficult to set apart from real ivory. If you're uncertain about your item, take it to your local jeweler and let them examine it. They should be able to identify the material for you.

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