Parchment vs. Vellum — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 2, 2024
Parchment refers to paper made from processed animal skin, used historically for writing, while vellum, a finer quality of parchment, is specifically made from calf skin and is smoother.
Difference Between Parchment and Vellum
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Parchment is a general term for a writing material made from specially prepared untanned skins of animals primarily sheep, goats, and calves. Vellum, a type of parchment, is specifically made from the skins of calves, making it finer and having a smoother texture than standard parchment.
In historical document preservation, parchment is valued for its durability and unique texture, which can handle heavy inks and pigments. Vellum, being of higher quality, is often reserved for more significant documents, like religious texts or official decrees, due to its finer grain and higher durability.
The production process of parchment involves cleaning, stretching, and drying the skins under tension, which is similar to the process for vellum. However, vellum requires even more careful preparation and selection of skins, ensuring a smoother and more consistent surface.
Parchment can vary in color and texture, often showing more grain or imperfections. Vellum, by contrast, is typically whiter and has a smoother surface with fewer blemishes, making it more desirable for calligraphy and fine art.
The cost differs significantly, with vellum generally being more expensive than parchment due to its labor-intensive production process and the quality of the materials used. This makes vellum less common and more valued in artistic and archival uses.
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Comparison Chart
Source Material
Skins of sheep, goats, or calves
Specifically calf skins
Texture
Can be rougher, with more imperfections
Smoother and finer texture
Color
Varies, generally off-white
Typically whiter and more uniform
Durability
Durable, suitable for many uses
More durable, preferred for high-quality documents
Cost
Generally less expensive
More expensive due to finer quality
Compare with Definitions
Parchment
A writing material made from the skin of sheep, goats, or calves.
The medieval manuscript was written on parchment.
Vellum
A high-quality type of parchment made from calf skin.
The ancient deed was inscribed on vellum.
Parchment
Durable and able to withstand heavy ink.
Artists preferred parchment for its robustness against fading.
Vellum
Often used for significant documents and fine art.
The artist chose vellum for its smooth finish for the portrait.
Parchment
Varied in texture and often visible grain.
The parchment's texture added a rustic feel to the reproduction.
Vellum
Prized in bookbinding and archival uses.
The rare book collector specialized in vellum-bound volumes.
Parchment
Used historically for documents and books.
Ancient scrolls found in the library were made of parchment.
Vellum
More expensive and luxurious than regular parchment.
Only the most important documents were written on vellum due to its cost.
Parchment
Common in historical and art contexts.
The restoration project used parchment to maintain authenticity.
Vellum
Known for its smooth surface and durability.
Vellum was the preferred material for the royal decrees.
Parchment
Parchment is a writing material made from specially prepared untanned skins of animals—primarily sheep, calves, and goats. It has been used as a writing medium for over two millennia.
Vellum
Vellum is prepared animal skin or "membrane", typically used as a material for writing on. Parchment is another term for this material, and if vellum is distinguished from this, it is by its being made from calfskin, as opposed to that from other animals, or otherwise being of higher quality.
Parchment
The skin of a sheep or goat prepared as a material on which to write or paint.
Vellum
A fine parchment made from calfskin, lambskin, or kidskin and used for the pages and binding of books.
Parchment
A written text or drawing on a sheet of this material.
Vellum
A work written or printed on this parchment.
Parchment
Paper made in imitation of this material.
Vellum
A heavy off-white fine-quality paper resembling this parchment.
Parchment
Material, made from the polished skin of a calf, sheep, goat or other animal, used like paper for writing.
Vellum
A type of parchment paper made from the skin of a lamb, baby goat, or calf.
Parchment
A document made on such material.
Vellum
A writing paper of very high quality.
Parchment
A diploma (traditionally written on parchment).
Vellum
A fine kind of parchment, usually made from calfskin, and rendered clear and white, - used as for writing upon, and for binding books.
Parchment
Stiff paper imitating that material.
Vellum
A heavy creamy-colored paper resembling parchment
Parchment
The creamy to tanned color of parchment.
Vellum
Fine parchment prepared from the skin of a young animal e.g. a calf or lamb
Parchment
The envelope of the coffee grains, inside the pulp.
Parchment
The skin of a lamb, sheep, goat, young calf, or other animal, prepared for writing on. See Vellum.
But here's a parchment with the seal of Cæsar.
Parchment
The envelope of the coffee grains, inside the pulp.
Parchment
A superior paper resembling sheepskin
Parchment
Skin of a sheep or goat prepared for writing on
Common Curiosities
How do you care for documents made from parchment and vellum?
Documents made from both materials should be stored in cool, dry conditions and handled minimally to prevent oils from hands damaging the surface.
Are parchment and vellum still used today?
Yes, both are still used today, especially in artistic, restoration, and archival contexts.
Why is vellum more expensive than parchment?
Vellum is more expensive due to its labor-intensive production process and the higher quality and uniformity of the material.
Can both parchment and vellum be used for printing?
Yes, both can be used for printing, but vellum's smoother surface is particularly suited for high-quality prints and art reproductions.
Which was more commonly used in medieval manuscripts?
Parchment was more commonly used overall, but vellum was preferred for more important manuscripts due to its higher quality.
What is the main difference between parchment and vellum?
The main difference is that parchment can be made from various animal skins, while vellum is specifically made from calf skin and is of finer quality.
What are the common sizes available for parchment and vellum?
They can be custom cut, but typically come in sheets that match standard paper sizes for convenience in handling and use.
How do parchment and vellum compare in terms of historical significance?
Both have significant historical value, but vellum is often associated with more luxurious and significant historical documents.
What is the environmental impact of producing parchment and vellum?
The production is resource-intensive, requiring large amounts of water and energy, and involves animal products, which has implications for sustainability and ethics.
How are parchment and vellum affected by humidity?
Both materials can absorb moisture, which may cause them to warp or swell, so controlled environments are necessary for their preservation.
Is there a vegan alternative to parchment and vellum?
Vegan alternatives include synthetic materials that mimic the properties of parchment and vellum but are made from plant-based or synthetic fibers.
Why might an artist choose vellum over parchment?
An artist might choose vellum for its finer texture and better surface for detailed work.
How is modern parchment different from historical parchment?
Modern parchment may undergo slightly different processing techniques to meet contemporary standards and uses, though the basic principles remain similar.
Can parchment and vellum be repaired if damaged?
Yes, specialists can repair them, though the process is meticulous and can be costly due to the delicate nature of the materials.
What are the handling guidelines for working with parchment and vellum?
Handling should involve clean, dry hands or gloves, and exposure to light and heat should be minimized to prevent degradation.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
