- HOW DO I KNOW IF IT IS BAKELITE Bakelite is a synthetic resin chemically formulated and named after its Belgian inventor, Chemist L.H.Baekeland c.1909. It is pronounced Bay Ka Lite . Originally it was used for molding items that were previously done of celluloid or hard rubber. One of the original uses was for pool balls. It is collectible in all its forms including jewelry, buttons, radio ...www.worldint.com/science/bakelite.html