Beach ivory

Carving ivory

Description

The Eskimo name for fossilized walrus tusks that are sometimes washed up on Arctic beaches (Untracht 1985). Beach ivory pieces may be old or recent. Their often mottled color ranges from nearly white to dark violet brown. Many have been infiltrated with dissolve minerals that add a crystalline, or marble-like, appearance to the tusk.

Synonyms and Related Terms

walrus tusk; fossil ivory

Physical and Chemical Properties

• May weigh 7-15 pounds.
• Denser and darker than elephant ivory.
• Outer enamel ranges from 0.8-1.2 cm
• Density = 1.90-2.00 g/ml

Resources and Citations

• Oppi Untracht, Jewelry Concepts and Technology, Doubleday & Co., Inc., New York City, 1985