Identifying bone, antler, and ivory
Organic materials and their grain.
Bone shows fine longitudinal grain and tiny dark canals (Haversian systems). Antler is denser with a spongy core. Ivory shows characteristic cross-hatched lines (Schreger lines) — the clearest single separator when you can find a plain surface to examine.
All three take a warm polish with handling and can stain brown or green from burial. Burnt bone turns grey-blue to chalk-white and rings almost like ceramic. Modern plastic imitations feel lighter, warm too quickly in the hand, and lack true grain.
Carved objects — combs, pins, handles, gaming pieces — are common; note tool marks and wear at contact points, and distinguish deliberate working from animal gnawing, which leaves paired grooves.
Ivory carries legal weight: trade in it is heavily restricted in most countries regardless of age. Identify it honestly, record it plainly, and check the rules before an ivory object ever changes hands.