Ivory vs. White Alabaster: Unveiling the Differences
Ivory and white alabaster, while both prized for their creamy white hues and often used in similar applications, are distinctly different materials with unique properties and origins. Understanding these differences is crucial for collectors, artisans, and anyone interested in these beautiful materials.
What is Ivory?
Ivory is a hard, creamy-white material derived from the tusks and teeth of animals, most notably elephants. Historically, it was highly sought after for its beauty and durability, used for carvings, jewelry, and decorative objects. However, due to the devastating impact of poaching on elephant populations, the international trade in elephant ivory is now largely prohibited. Consequently, much of the ivory available today is antique or sourced ethically from pre-ban stock.
Key characteristics of ivory:
- Organic origin: It's an animal product.
- Warm, creamy tone: Often displays a subtle yellowish or brownish tint with age.
- Fine grain: Possesses a smooth, dense texture.
- High value (for legal, antique pieces): Genuine, ethically sourced antique ivory is rare and highly valuable.
- Legal restrictions: Strict regulations govern its trade and ownership.
What is Alabaster?
Alabaster is a fine-grained, translucent variety of gypsum, a soft sulfate mineral. White alabaster is prized for its delicate, often luminous appearance, often described as having a milky or satiny quality. It is easily carved and shaped, making it a popular choice for sculptors and artisans throughout history.
Key characteristics of alabaster:
- Mineral origin: It's a naturally occurring rock formation.
- Cool, milky white tone: Can range from pure white to a slightly off-white or yellowish hue.
- Soft texture: More easily scratched and damaged than ivory.
- Lower value compared to ivory: Relatively more affordable than antique ivory.
- No legal restrictions (generally): Freely traded, subject to standard mineral trade regulations.
How to Distinguish Ivory from White Alabaster?
Several key features help differentiate ivory from white alabaster:
- Texture and feel: Ivory has a smoother, denser, and slightly warmer feel than alabaster. Alabaster can feel somewhat softer and more porous.
- Translucency: While both can be translucent, alabaster generally exhibits a higher degree of translucency, especially when thin sections are held up to light. Ivory tends to be less translucent.
- Weight: Ivory is significantly denser than alabaster, feeling heavier for its size.
- Schrëffer's Test (for ivory only): This involves applying a hot needle to the surface. Genuine ivory will leave a faint, slightly oily mark; alabaster will not. However, this test should only be used on items where minor damage is acceptable, as it's a destructive test.
- Scratchability: Alabaster is softer and more easily scratched than ivory.
- Smell: Sometimes, aged ivory has a slight, characteristic odor. Alabaster is odorless.
What are the ethical considerations?
The ethical considerations surrounding ivory are paramount. The illegal poaching of elephants for their ivory has decimated elephant populations and continues to threaten their survival. Buying or selling ivory, unless it's legally sourced antique ivory, is contributing to this illegal trade. Alabaster, being a naturally occurring mineral, presents no such ethical concerns.
Are there other white materials often confused with ivory?
Yes, several other materials, including bone, plastic imitations, and even certain types of resin, can be mistaken for ivory. Careful examination, along with knowledge of the material's properties, is crucial for accurate identification.
By understanding the distinct properties and ethical implications associated with each material, you can confidently distinguish ivory from white alabaster and make informed choices. Remember, supporting ethical and sustainable practices is essential when dealing with these materials.
