Using LC-MS, extremely small protein samples enable the identification of the biological source of ivory in archeological and museum objects, Science Advances reports. ’In spite the material’s age there are still sufficient proteins present to allow a positive taxonomical identification.’ 

Practically since the dawn of time, cream-coloured and delicately lustrous ivory has been a particularly sought-after source material for prestige objects. Strictly speaking, the term refers to material derived from tusks, but it is also used for carved hippo or sperm whale teeth. It is often unknown what type of ivory an object is made of, or even whether it is ivory or bone. Techniques to identify the material vary in their scope and reliability. DNA analysis generally gives the most complete and reliable results, but it requires a relatively large amount of sample material and degenerates relatively quickly. As a result, this method is of limited use for old and fragile museum objects.