Ivory (color) facts for kids

Ivory is a beautiful color that looks mostly white, but with a tiny hint of yellow. Imagine the creamy color of old paper or a vanilla milkshake – that's close to ivory! It gets its name from a special material called ivory, which comes from the teeth and tusks of some animals.

The Color Ivory

The color ivory is often described as a soft, off-white shade. It's warmer than pure white because of its slight yellow tint. This makes it feel calm and elegant. You might see the color ivory used in home decorations, clothing, or even in paintings to create a gentle mood. It's a very classic color that has been popular for a long time.

Where Does the Color Name Come From?

The color ivory is named after the natural material. This material is what makes up the tusks of large animals like elephants and walruses. These tusks have a unique creamy white color, which is why we call the color "ivory." It's a way to describe something that looks like this natural material.

The Material Ivory

The material known as ivory is a hard, white substance that comes from the tusks and teeth of certain animals. It's very strong and can be carved into many different shapes. For thousands of years, people have used ivory to make beautiful objects.

Animals with Ivory

The most famous source of ivory is the elephant. Both African and Asian elephants have tusks made of ivory. Other animals also have ivory, such as:

• Walruses, which have long, downward-curving tusks.
• Narwhals, famous for their single, long, spiraled tusk.
• Hippos, whose teeth are also a type of ivory.
• Even ancient mammoths, whose fossilized tusks are sometimes found.

Uses of Ivory Through History

For centuries, ivory was highly valued for its beauty and durability. People used it to create many different things:

• Art and Sculptures: Artists carved detailed statues, figurines, and ornaments from ivory.
• Jewelry: Beautiful necklaces, bracelets, and earrings were made from ivory.
• Musical Instruments: Historically, piano keys were often covered with thin strips of ivory because of its smooth feel.
• Tools and Handles: Ivory was used for handles of knives, brushes, and other tools.
• Games: Chess pieces and billiard balls were sometimes made from ivory.

Protecting Animals

Today, using new ivory from elephants is largely stopped around the world. This is because many elephant populations became very small due to hunting for their tusks. Protecting elephants and other animals that produce ivory is very important. Many countries have laws to protect these animals and stop the trade of new ivory.

Modern Alternatives

Because of the need to protect animals, people now use other materials instead of real ivory. These alternatives look and feel similar to ivory but don't harm animals. Some common alternatives include:

• Plastics: Many types of plastic can be made to look like ivory.
• Bone: Sometimes, bone from other animals is used, especially for crafts.
• Tagua nut: This is a natural, plant-based material from a palm tree, often called "vegetable ivory." It's a great sustainable choice.

By using these alternatives, we can still create beautiful objects that have the look of ivory, while helping to keep amazing animals safe in the wild.

Images for kids

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  Carved ivory in Sa'dabad Palace, Iran

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  An Ivory Gull, a bird named for its pure white feathers