| Original Message: I believe these are old casein (Galalith) beads |
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I happen to have some. Casein dates from 1899, and it can warp and crack when exposed to humidity and heat over a long period of time. These beads are from the early 1900s so around 100 years old. The material is semi-synthetic. It's composed of the milk protein casein, cross-linked with formaldehyde. Galalith (milk-stone) was the main trade name in France. In England one trade name was Erinoid; however the shortened form of the industrial name "casein formaldehyde" was usually used. One of the first large uses of casein was to make imitation horn buttons and casein was also often referred to simply as "imitation horn". Casein takes dyes well so a large variety of colors of casein beads were made. It carves easily so a lot of beads with this type of geometric design were made. I think they are kind of mechanical-looking. The other type of casein bead you'll see quite often is two-tone, made by dyeing the outer layer and carving deep into the ivory white (natural color of casein) interior. Casein beads are very often listed for sale as Bakelite. Interestingly, dyed tagua nut is also sometimes advertised as old Bakelite. I know because I have bought some and had to return them. All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users |
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