How To Identify
Authenticity Identification
The quality of horn massager products on the market varies widely. Methods to distinguish genuine from counterfeit products are as follows:
- Genuine natural horn does not generate static electricity and diffuse a distinct horn smell when heated, with stronger medicinal properties indicated by a more pronounced scent.
- Authentic products have a textured feel, are heavier than plastic alternatives, and typically exhibit natural reddish veins and grain patterns. Counterfeits feel coarse, lack luster, show cracks, and easily broken teeth.
- Horn products primarily consist of keratin protein. Scrape shavings with a knife and burn them with a lighter. A burnt hair/feather-like odor confirms authenticity, while a plastic-like smell indicates a fake.
Classification
The horn massage products selected by SKYLING are mainly made from the following materials:
- Goat Horn
- Yak Horn
- Buffalo Horn (Black buffalo horn, White buffalo horn, Black diamond)
- Deer Horn
White buffalo horn is an albino variant of black water buffalo horn, presenting a white color with strong luster. It has outstanding medicinal value and can replace rhino horn as a precious medicinal ingredient listed in pharmacopoeia. The “Compendium of Materia Medica” records that water buffalo horn is “bitter, salty, cold” and has the effects of clearing heat and cooling blood, eliminating spots and calming the mind, reducing swelling and detoxifying. In special circumstances, it can save lives, making it a highly valuable organic gemstone.
Black Diamond is a hybrid variant of white and black buffalo, a second generation variant of the white water buffalo, and is even rarer and more precious. Black diamond features a unique tiger-skin pattern that is delicate yet bold, with a wilder beauty. It has a hard texture, higher density, greater resistance to dry cracking, and is considered the pinnacle of buffalo horns.
Material | Texture | Color and Luster | Effect | Disadvantage | Cost-Performance & Purchase Suggestions |
Goat Horn | Delicate and lightweight, better crack resistance than cow horn | Good transparency, mostly white or light brown, often with white or blood silk patterns | Warm, suitable for daily massage for those with cold constitution, mild blood circulation effect, suitable for sensitive skin | Relatively fragile, strong odor | Low price: suitable for users with limited budget but needing durable material |
Yak Horn | Hard and thick, high density, rough texture, hair-like silk appearance | General transparency, mixed (such as brown, gray, ink wash pattern), white yak horn has flame patterns, plateau yak horn has cat’s eye luster | Promotes blood circulation, relieves headaches, suitable for head care | Ordinary yak horn is prone to cracking, high-quality yak horn has better crack resistance | Cost-effective: Preferred to choose plateau yak horn, first choice for beginners |
White Buffalo Horn | High density, smooth surface, high luster, good moisture permeability, fine fibrous tissue | Predominantly transparent color system (pink/green/ice blue/topaz), often with starry patterns or growth rings | Cools blood and detoxifies, calms inflammation, suitable for sensitive skin and deep meridian dredging | Requires high maintenance, needs regular oiling to prevent cracking | Higher price: budget sufficient, recommend selecting the tip material,Preferred to choose products thickness≥1.2mm |
Black Diamond | Slightly higher density than ordinary white water buffalo horn, resistant to dry lines | Dark color (black-brown gradient), visible tiger stripe pattern under strong light | Strong for deep muscle relaxation, slightly lower medicinal value than white water buffalo horn | Less production, unstable supply | Higher price:suitable for those who pursue rarity, durability, and deep physical therapy effects |
Deer Horn | Hard texture, jade-like feel, some high-density varieties have strong luster, crack-resistant | White or light gray, unique texture (such as spots or stripes) | Stimulates acupoints significantly, suitable for cold-damp constitution and deep fascia lysis | Tactile feeling is hard, sensitive skin should use with caution; strong adsorption, easy to hide dirt | High price:suitable for those who prefer unique shapes or professional physical therapy, recommend acupoint compression or body massage |