What is the difference between paper and vellum parchment documents? How do I tell them apart?
Paper is made from plants whereas vellum and parchment are made from the skins of animals. During processing, the skins are stretched and dried. Paper has replaced skins for most uses, but skins are still used for some documents such as certificates and diplomas. “Parchment paper” is a type of paper and not a skin. Upon close inspection of the surface of a skin, it is often possible to see veins and hair-follicle holes. The hair side of the skin is sometimes burnished smoother than the flesh side which can be napped and rough. On the smooth side, indentations and scrape marks from the processing knife can be seen at times. Skins are very reactive to moisture so it is important not to get water near them or store them in areas of high humidity. Skins that have been damaged by moisture or heat can be distorted, stiff and translucent. Skins also have a tendency to curl.
