The government replaced people's gold jewelry with iron replicas in order to further the war effort. Iridium and platinum are frequently alloyed together, since the iridium increases the workability of the platinum. Iridium is also used for the points of gold -nibbed pens. The change in the diamond is permanent. The irradiated stones take on a greenish or an aquamarine hue.
Ivory has a complex characteristic grain which helps distinguish it from imitations.
Using ivory is now banned since elephants are in danger of going extinct. Other tusk-like material is often substituted for ivory, including walrus tusks, whale teeth, hippopotamus teeth, animal bone, palm seed, and more recently, plastics. Vegetable ivory comes from the inner seed of the South American ivory palm and was used for small items, like dice. Search the Web with our sponsor, Overture. Search the Web.