What's the Difference Between Ivory and White Alabaster?
Ivory and white alabaster, while both prized for their creamy white hues and often used in similar applications, are vastly different materials with distinct origins, properties, and ethical considerations. Understanding these differences is crucial for appreciating their unique qualities and making informed choices when selecting materials for art, design, or collections.
What is Ivory?
Ivory is a hard, creamy-white material obtained from the tusks and teeth of animals, most commonly elephants. Historically, it has been highly valued for its beauty, durability, and ability to be carved into intricate objects. However, due to the devastating impact of poaching on elephant populations, the international trade in ivory is largely banned under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). This means possessing or selling most ivory is illegal in many countries. Therefore, any "ivory" used today is likely either antique, legally sourced from pre-ban stockpiles (with appropriate documentation), or a substitute material.
What is Alabaster?
Alabaster is a fine-grained, translucent variety of gypsum (calcium sulfate dihydrate). Unlike ivory, it's a readily available mineral found in various locations worldwide. Its soft texture allows for easy carving, making it a popular choice for sculptures, decorative objects, and even architectural elements. White alabaster is particularly sought after for its delicate, luminous quality. Because it's a mineral, it poses no ethical concerns regarding animal welfare.
How Can You Tell the Difference?
Several key differences distinguish ivory from white alabaster:
- Origin and Sustainability: Ivory comes from animals, making it an ethically problematic material in most cases. Alabaster is a mineral, readily available and ethically sourced.
- Texture and Feel: Ivory has a smooth, dense, and slightly oily feel. Alabaster is softer and slightly more porous. While both can be polished to a high sheen, the underlying texture differs noticeably.
- Translucency: Alabaster is translucent, meaning light can pass through it, especially in thinner pieces. Ivory is generally opaque, though very thin pieces may show some slight translucency.
- Hardness: Ivory is significantly harder than alabaster. This difference is evident in the ease of carving – alabaster is much easier to work with.
- Veining: While both can appear homogenous, alabaster frequently displays subtle veining or striations, often in shades of cream or light grey, while ivory tends to be more uniformly colored.
What are the common uses of each material?
Ivory (Historically): Billiard balls, piano keys, carvings, ornaments, jewelry. Today, its use is extremely limited due to legal restrictions.
Alabaster: Sculptures, decorative objects, vases, lamps, architectural details, and even some jewelry.
Is There a Substitute for Ivory?
Yes, several materials are used as substitutes for ivory, including bone, vegetable ivory (from tagua nuts), and various resins. However, none perfectly replicate the unique properties and appearance of true ivory.
Can Alabaster Be Confused With Other Materials?
Yes. Some white minerals, such as calcite or marble, can share similarities with alabaster's appearance. Careful examination of texture, translucency, and hardness is crucial for accurate identification.
In conclusion, while both ivory and white alabaster possess a beautiful creamy white appearance, their origins, properties, and ethical implications differ significantly. Understanding these differences is crucial for responsible material selection and appreciation of their unique qualities. Choosing alabaster offers an ethical and sustainable alternative for those seeking a similar aesthetic effect.
