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How to Care for an Ivory Tusk

Before the invention of plastic, ivory was used to produce billiard balls, decorative items, buttons and much more. Ivory is now seen as purely ornamental, and many collectors keep whole tusks of elephants, walruses and hippopotamuses. The sale of new ivory is illegal in the United States, but antique ivory can still be bought and sold across the country and the world. Special care must be taken to ensure that ivory tusks do not shrink or become damaged or discolored.

Things You'll Need

Hand soap
Water
Container with lid
Acid-free tissue paper
Soft bristled toothbrush
Soft cloth

Instructions

- 1
  Wash your hands with soap and water before touching the ivory tusk. The dirt and oils on your hands can damage the ivory.
- 2
  Store the ivory tusk in a container with a tight lid, such as a display case. Wrap the ivory with acid-free tissue paper for added protection. The ivory should be stored in a darker room that is has a steady climate 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit and no more than 70 percent humidity.
- 3
  Avoid placing the tusk in direct sunlight. This can bleach the ivory and cause it to become dried out and brittle, which could lead to a crack.
- 4
  Avoid using water to clean the ivory. The water can cause cracking and swelling. Instead, wipe away any dirt or debris with a soft-bristle tooth brush.
- 5
  Wipe the ivory piece with soft cloth, if desired. This can remove even more dirt from the piece.

Other Collecting