Ivory

Elephant ivory was used to make miniature Masonic working tools, and probably as decorative elements. Walrus ivory was also used in Masonic Maritime artifacts. It is difficult to positively identify the difference. Many reproductions look like ivory or Walrus tusk, the hot pin test will surely tell. Heat the tip of a sewing needle with a lighted match and while it is still hot push the pin into the item… if it smells like burning plastic… its plastic! The hot needle will not penetrate real ivory. It may also be confused with bone. As ivory ages it naturally turns yellow and develops black cracks.

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_{This page is adapted from the Glossary at Phoenixmasonry — Used with permission.}