Difference Between Ivory and Plastic

Ivory vs Plastic

It is easy to distinguish between ivory and plastic. But it is really a hard task to make out a difference when these two are carved into different objects. As ivory is costly, one can come across fake ivory made out of plastic or the resin of old ivory.

It is very hard to distinguish the objects made out of plastic and ivory as they look almost similar. If you are not aware of making out a difference between the two, then you lose your hard earned money.

Though you can distinguish plastic from ivory through some chemical tests, it is not always practical. You can make out a difference by sliding your hands on the Ivory and plastic objects. Plastics are smoother than Ivory. One can come across cross graining or diamond shaped cross graining on the surface of Ivory.

It can also be seen that plastics give a warm feeling to tour hands whereas ivory gives a cool feeling.

There is also another simple way ‘“ the hot pin test method — by which you can differentiate between plastic and ivory. Heat a pin or needle and insert it into plastic and ivory. The hot needle penetrates easily into plastic objects whereas it will not break through ivory. Moreover, you can also distinguish from the smell. When hot needle or pin is inserted in ivory, it gives out a smell resembling like a burning teeth.

Another difference that can be seen is that plastics can be moulded into any shape that is not possible with ivory.

Now comparing the cost of Ivory and plastic, the former one is very highly priced. In availability, plastic is found in abundance.

Summary

1. It is very hard to distinguish the objects made out of plastic and ivory as they look almost similar.

2. Plastics are smoother than Ivory. One can come across cross graining or diamond shaped cross graining on the surface of Ivory.

3. Plastics give a warm feeling to tour hands whereas ivory gives a cool feeling.

4. A hot needle penetrates easily into plastic objects whereas it will not break through ivory. When hot needle or pin is inserted in ivory, it gives out a smell resembling like a burning teeth.

5. Plastics can be moulded into any shape that is not possible with ivory.

6. Ivory is highly priced than plastic. In availability, plastic is found in abundance.

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