Anyone have any tips for cleaning mammoth ivory?
I have some mammoth ivory rings (on a flute, but I post here because I think more pipes have ivory than flutes) that got a little discolored from the lining of the case. Blue dye, I’m guessing.
Would it be OK to dab bleach on the ring carefully with a Q-tip? Is that crazy?
Stuart
A bit of curious googling took me here:
The part before the section I’ve quoted discusses various kinds of ivory, including mammoth ivory, so I assume that the instructions work for all kinds.
CLEANING IVORY
A representative of The International Ivory Society suggests mild dishwater soap and water. Wash, rinse and dry ~ do not soak. Deep stains, such as paint, ink or oils probably cannot be removed as ivory is porous and absorbs these materials. Some old ivory necklaces and bracelets are seen with a pinkish or reddish tinge which was absorbed from the henna dye used on the skin of the wearer.
Here is a link to a another site, which advocates non-fluid cleaning methods and is well worth reading if you are attempting cleaning:
http://www.bladestuff.com/conserva/ivory3.html >
Here is a link to the Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute, on the care and handling of precious ivory:
http://www.si.edu/mci/english/learn_more/taking_care/ivory.html >
Well, my goodness.
No bleach for you!
Thanks for the information.
Though . . . does it apply to mammoth ivory as well? I’m going to assume it does.
Stuart
Don’t.
You can always try the bleach, and if it doesn’t work out for you, just go out and get another mammoth.
djm
But be certain to make sure it is a “Free Range” Mammoth. 
And organic. Make sure it is an organic mammoth, though they do tend to pine more for the tundra …
djm
Googled mammoth ivory and it seems ‘blue’ (copper ?) staind stuff is much prised by the knife handl makers
John
Ivory was traditionally polished with whiting ( French chalk) and a little oil ( almond ) on a cloth. I have polished ivory with toothpaste successfully too though the minty odour could cause comment!