Question: I'm trying to copy an object out of an SVG file using inkscape, however when I paste it back in to a new inkscape file it's no longer the svg version, but a rasterized version.  

I'm not sure if it's because inkscape runs in XQuartz and the clipboard is behaving odly.

Answer: 
[Here](http://mandarapte.com/apple/copy-pasting-vector-objects-svg-file-vector-svg-file-inkscape-converts-bitmap-working-pasteboards-x11/) someone had the same problem.
They solved it by turning off X11's Pasteboard Syncing:

> 
> Disabling ‘Sync PasteBoard’ Functionality within X11 (Which is
>  Included in XQuartz App for OSX Mountain Lion) solves the problem of
>  converting vector object to Bitmap after pasting the same object in
>  another SVG file.
> 
> 
> Do This (Go to): X11 > Click on ‘Preferences’ tab > Choose
>  ‘Pasteboard’ tab > Uncheck ‘Enable Syncing’
> 
> 
>
I solved this problem by *importing* another svg file into the current one.

File --> Import... --> Select "All Vectors" (or "\*.svg") in the filter selection menu.

This copies the entire content of the imported file into the current one in vector format.