What are Schreger lines in ivory?

What are Schreger lines in ivory?

Schreger lines are visual artifacts that are evident in the cross-sections of ivory. They are commonly referred to as cross-hatchings, engine turnings, or stacked chevrons. Schreger lines can be divided into two categories. The easily seen lines which are closest to the cementum are the outer Schreger lines.

How can I tell if I have real ivory?

If an item is made of ivory, you will be able to see lines, or a grain. These lines are sometimes known as Schreger lines and occur when the tusks grow. These lines may appear V-shaped or look like cross hatching. Genuine ivory may also have the appearance of a wood grain or circular rings.

Does walrus ivory have Schreger lines?

Walrus ivory is easily differentiated from elephant ivory and mammoth ivory as walrus ivory is a tooth rather than a tusk and as such does not have any Schreger lines. These walrus teeth have a unique marble like quality, with an outer dentine layer and a mottled inner core, as with all teeth.

How can you tell bone from ivory?

The main structural difference between the two is that ivory has no marrow or blood vessel system. It is essentially tooth material. It is usually whiter, harder, denser, and heavier than bone.

Does ivory have any value?

Q: What makes ivory so precious? It has no intrinsic value, but its cultural uses make ivory highly prized. In Africa, it has been a status symbol for millennia because it comes from elephants, a highly respected animal, and because it is fairly easy to carve into works of art.

Can you sell old ivory?

As of the 2016 National Strategy on Wildlife Trafficking law, it is illegal to sell ivory although there are some exceptions to the law. There are several pre-existing ivory items that fall under an ESA antiques exemption which can be sold within a person’s state: Items must contain no more than 200 grams of ivory.

How do you tell mammoth ivory from elephant ivory?

Mammoth tusks contain a twist and curve whereas elephant tusks are straighter. Mammoth tusks also have a brown outer peel. However, when the ivory is cut into smaller pieces, it can be much harder to distinguish, making it easy to pass off illegal elephant ivory as legal mammoth tusks.

Is it ivory or celluloid?

Plastic feels warm to the touch. Look for marks on all of the pieces. If the setting is real gold, it is a good indication of real ivory. If the pin back is celluloid and glued on, the piece is probably celluloid as well.

What is ivory worth?

The price currently paid for raw ivory is between $597 per kg and $689 per kg. Meanwhile, a single pound of ivory can sell for $3,300 and $200 an ounce.