rhino horn colour
 

Well, guys, it's been a while. Happy 2007 to all. In an attempt to revitalize this thread I am posting a couple of pictures and thoughts about rhino horn hilts used in Ethiopian swords. Having closely observed several dozens, here's my conclusion. The "core" of Rhino horn is dark gray, almost charcoal black. The "dark" part will of course vary in diameter depending on the size of the horn. From the "core" the horn will get lighter in colour and turn into an amber-yellow shade. My first picture clearly illustrates what I mean. So where do the reddish/brown hilts come from? The gorgeous hilt in the second and third pictures gives the answer. The hilt had been dyed... As one can see from the breakage, the inside of the horn is still amber yellow and the surface shows an minimal amount of penetration of the dye. I hope this gives an answer to those who believe that rhino horn comes in different colours.... Cheers.

Hi Ron,

So you are saying that rhino horn is dyed dark, but is normally amber yellow?

I have an article quoted from "Science Daily" (November 2006) that addresses the dark places at the center.

The horns of most animals have a bony core covered by a thin sheath of keratin, the same substance as hair and nails. Rhino horns are unique, however, because they are composed entirely of keratin. Scientists had been puzzled by the difference, but the Ohio University study now has revealed an interesting clue: dark patches running through the center of the horns.

The team examined the heads of rhinos that died of natural causes and were donated by The Wilds in Cumberland, Ohio, and the Phoenix Zoo. Researchers conducted CT scans on the horns at O’Bleness Memorial Hospital in Athens and found dense mineral deposits made of calcium and melanin in the middle.

The calcium deposits make the horn core harder and stronger, and the melanin protects the core from breakdown by the sun’s UV rays, the scientists report. The softer outer portion of the horn weakens with sun exposure and is worn into its distinctive shape through horn clashing and by being rubbed on the ground and vegetation. The structure of the rhino horns is similar to a pencil’s tough lead core and weaker wood periphery, which allows the horns to be honed to a sharp point.

The study also ends speculation that the horn was simply a clump of modified hair.

“The horns most closely resemble the structure of horses’ hoofs, turtle beaks and cockatoo bills. This might be related to the strength of these materials, although more research is needed in this area,” said Tobin Hieronymus, a doctoral student in biological sciences and lead author on the study.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...1106144951.htm

Rhino horn occurs naturaly in many colours, But sure its also easy to dye.

Spiral

Hi, Bill. What I am saying is that "core" (I call it core for lack of a better term) is dark gray. It is also more compact and much harder that the rest of the horn that tend to turn amber/yellow and is certainly softer. It appears to be dusty gray in nature but polishes out to the above mentioned colour.
Hi, Spiral. You are telling me something new. I have CLOSELY examined well in excess of 60 sword. Some are more "yellow" that others. However, in all cases of reddish/brown handles, I can assure you that the horn had been dyed. Are there some naturally red/brown horns? I really don't know. I haven't seen any so far. So, please, tell me which other natural colours are there. I can also say that the horn, being made up of organic matter, is subject to deterioration and decay with noticible changes in its apperance. By the way, you guys won't probably like this (.....) but I have started treating my Ethiopian swords' handles with lanolin......

Sure Roanna it was a helpfull post of yours a year or so back that got me into researching Rhino horn in depth. But you didnt answear my request for further info in it so i took my own steps to find out more. {as I do with many subjects.}.

I have great respect for your hands on expierience. You have examined 5x as much rhino horn as I.

Some rhino horn can be green I have a Georgian riding crop that the head of it is translucent amber ,then greeny brown with the centre core from close to the rhinos skin alternating creamy & black. with the shaft very green & tiny cream flecks.

There are 5 types of rhino in the world, 3 of them dont live in africa I think? I dont know if that can account for some variations?

I find the Pachyderm group who publish biyearly has some material in thier past works I am sure you would find fascinating.


You can download them here.

http://www.iucn.org/themes/ssc/sgs/afesg/pachy/

I recomend volumes 30 & 34 in particular, which have many articles about rhino horn, jambiyas & the rhino horn trade.

One of my favorite referance works is "the art of rhinocerous horn carving in china" by Jan chapman who was allowed to examine siezed rhino horns in thier naturel state plus many of the words museams collection of rhino horn art.

She does agrre with you that red brown means fake or dyed rhino horn as I recall.

But the book which has some fantastic pictures in tit shows that the dark core can be present, as a core, in randoms areas or inded the whole horn can be grey black. Its not always a central core.

The book also illustrates the many colour tones present.

Apparently The yemani & Saudi arabs rate Rhino horn handles by colour, grain & of course translucency.

The yellow translucent bieng the most expensive & highly prized & indeed my Jambiya with such a handle glows like a bulb in bright sunlight, so i can see its attraction.

Apparently in yemen sesame oil is used to restore old handles, but lanolin sounds good to me.

ive used baby oil but will experiment with sessame & lanolin in futre.

Spiral

Spiral. This is really great. You confirm some of my observations and give new info at the same time. I have never seen a green (or is it "greenish"?) horn. Would like to examine one, though. You are right when you say that the "dark core" does not have a precise position. I have noticed that too. Keep in touch. Black, White, Indian and Javanese. Who's the fifth? I guess I could google it...

thanks Roanoa, glad it was of help to you. ;)

Rhino horn is fascinating. To me & others who have seen the crop the reaction is always that its green or in some light, grey green with light flecks in the grain.

the 5th rhino type is the Sumatran, it has 2 horns but those left today the horn is only vistigal. I guess allthoughts with larger horns have been hunted out over the years so have been removed from the breeding stock.

take care ,
spiral