The Fourier transform Raman spectrum of ivory is reported and assignme
nts are proposed for the major spectroscopic features. Application of
the FT Raman technique to the non-destructive diagnostic identificatio
n of ivory and simulated ivory artefacts is illustrated with reference
to several specimens, both modern and aged. Although the FT Raman spe
ctrum of ivory is similar to that of other bone samples, the character
istic vibrational modes are identified and it is suggested that the re
lative intensity ratio of the nu(CH) stretching bands near 2930 cm(-1)
and the hydroxyapatite nu(PO) stretching band at 960 cm(-1) is a good
diagnostic parameter for ivory. Other modes, such as nu(NH) near 3300
cm(-1), the delta(CH2) profile near 1250 cm(-1) and nu(CC) symmetric
ring stretching intensity at 1002 cm(-1) are also good confirming indi
cators to distinguish ivory from bone and synthetic specimens. Modern
specimens of ''ivory'' using synthetic polymers and polymer-inorganic
composites are easily distinguished spectroscopically from genuine ivo
ry, particularly close textural specimens, which involved a synthetic
blending of poly(methylmethacrylate), polystyrene and calcite.