Horn buttons

[Guest]

Is there any "acid test" that can help tell genuine horn buttons from good imitations? The buttons I have in mind are dark brown with lighter yellowish spots (which are translucent), the pattern is not the same for any two buttons, but they seem a bit lightweight in comparison to other opaque horn buttons I have seen. Perhaps they are from the horns of another animal?

[Guest]

If you could sacrifice a small one, plastic melts and horn burns.
NJS

[Guest]

Thank you! I completed the test and they burn, with a burnt hair or wool smell, too. I didn't even have to sacrifice the button, I put a cigarette lighter flame to the underside and it is still usable.

[Guest]

Thank you! I completed the test and they burn, with a burnt hair or wool smell, too. I didn't even have to sacrifice the button, I put a cigarette lighter flame to the underside and it is still usable.

Actually, I nearly added to singe the cloth-facing side as horn does not burn very fast. Similarly, shell shirt buttons make a satisfying 'clink' on the teeth but plastic sounds dull.
NJS

[Guest]

Or you can put them to your lip: if they feel cold, it's MOP.