The Difference Between Bakelite & Catalin

Bakelite and Catalin are both types of plastic made from formaldehyde, Both substances have been used to make jewelry, aviator goggles, napkin holders, salt and pepper shakers and many other household products popular in the 1930s and 1940s.

Misconceptions

Many people use the terms Bakeite and Catalin interchangeably, but they are not the same material.

Fillers

Bakelite contains a wide variety of fillers, including cotton, wood, asbestos and carbon. Catalin is made without these fillers.

Opaqueness

When held up to a light, Catalin is translucent, Eeven black Catalin lets some light pass through it. Bakelite, however, is completely opaque.

Colors

Bakelite colors are usually brighter than catalin colors, which may fade over time.

Rework

Catalin jewelry and other pieces can be reworked. Bakelite should not be reworked as it may contain asbestos.

References

• Vintage Jewelry Lane: The History of Bakelite & Catalin and How to Test for Authenicity
• San Diego Platics, Inc.: Plastics