patina

[Rifleman1776]

On another thread, which I started, I was called for my use of the word 'patina' with regard to a substitute ivory. I was challenged on the basis (claim) that genuine elephant ivory does not patina. I said that was wrong. To clarify the issue, I looked up 'patina' at dictionary.com. Patina is defined as a film or incrustation on..... .
By that definition, I may be incorrect. Ivory does take a deeper coloration with time and handling. That is probably not, technically, a patina.
However, I do see the word used widely to describe other materials that change coloration with time but do not encrust. e.g. wood
Take your own position. I am going to stick with patina as it is descriptive for the purpose intended.

 

[turned_for_good]

My qusetion is why are people so picky about menial stuff like this. I would call it a petina too. But then again, I really don't care what its called. So long as I know what your talking about.

 

[rdunn12]

Well it really is'nt a Patina(the way some think of it).But it is,when I make a copper pen with no finish and allow the oils in my skin to change the copper different colors is'nt that a film on the copper.Hence the description of a Patina.(a similar film or coloring appearing gradually on some other substance)(a film or incrustation, usually green, produced by oxidation on the surface of old bronze and often esteemed as being of ornamental value.)So the way I read this,a Patina can be described as any change in the materials coloring due to oxidation.Which is what happens when you handle it.I agree with your use of the word Patina.

Ronald

 

[fritz64]

wow 2 people agreeing on the same thread.praise the lord and pass the bread.

 

[Ron in Drums PA]

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/patina

Patina is a coating (usually green) of various chemical compounds such as oxides or carbonates formed on the surface of metal during exposure to weathering.

Basically you are right Frank.

Figuratively, patina can refer to any fading, darkening or other signs of age, which are felt to be natural and/or unavoidable.

Example, when cherry darkens with age, some will say that it has developed a beautiful patina.

Since real ivory yellows with age, some will call that a patina even though it may not be quite accurate. They would also be right.

 

[great12b4ever]

I have heard the term patina used instead of chatoyance with wood. I have discolored thin sheets of copper/brass/stainless steel/aluminum with heat/torch/chemicals such as anodizing and have heard a lot of people, including art critics comment about the patina that was imparted. So, although maybe not technically correct, common usage is making it so. I agree with Frank and Ronald on this one, and yes, I will duck and run for cover.[}]

 

[Jarheaded]

Someone must have been really bored to call you on something like that.[:0]

 

[leehljp]

I grew up (not very far from Frank) hearing the word "patina" used in the vernacular for a deep hand rubbed or well worn finish - in which the wood (or other) was highlighted because of the wearing/rubbing. I remember hearing the word "patina" used to describe pearl necklaces that had been nicely cared for.

I would venture to say that applying "patina" technically versus the vernacular is like saying that "podcasts" is only for iPods.

 

[Randy_]

I looked at several Internet dictionaries and each of them had a different definition for the word "patina." Some clearly would allow patina to be applicable to ivory and some would not. Pick your poison!!

Then I went a step further and plugged the keywords "ivory & patina" into a search engine and got a bunch of hits for web sites that recognized that ivory could have a patina. These were seriously credible sites, not just Your Tube. Here is one example.....the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.

http://tinyurl.com/43vyba

I'm fully satisfied that "patina" is a legitimate term to describe the changes in appearance that occur as ivory ages. If there are others who prefer not to use the term, that's fine, too.