How to distinguish the real ivory from the fake one?

Question:could be a test ?on the spot?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: could be a test ?on the spot?

real ivory is cold and heavy. It has marks and lines and it will be yellowed as they no longer allow ivory to be traded. It will also have a satin sheen - not highly shiny.

fake ivory has very little weight and while it may feel cool, it will never get cold. The marks (if any) are not deep and are usually burnt or painted on. It will be highly shiny as they put a coat of varnish on it.

If you have ever felt the keys of an old piano, compared to one made within the last 20 years then you can feel the difference.

If you are allowed to do it, a hot needle pushed in in an obscure place will produce organic smelling smoke (bone) in real and plastic stink in fake. Needle heated with lighter.