What is wool made of chemically?
Wool is an animal fiber consisting of protein and a small percentage of lipids. This chemical makeup distinguishes it from cotton, which relies on cellulose.
Questions about Wool
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When did selection for woolly sheep begin in Iran?
Archaeological evidence suggests selection for woolly sheep began around 6000 BC in Iran. The oldest known European wool textile was preserved in a Danish bog.
How many crimps per centimeter does fine Merino wool contain?
A fine Merino wool may contain up to 40 crimps per centimeter. Coarser karakul wool might have less than one crimp per inch.
Which year did the English crown impose the Great Custom export tax?
The English crown imposed an export tax called the Great Custom in 1275. Presiding officers of the House of Lords sit on a Woolsack stuffed with wool since the 14th century.
What micron range defines Superfine Merino wool grades?
Superfine Merino ranges from 15.6 to 18.5 microns while Ultrafine Merino grades fall under 15.5 microns. Fine Merino spans 18.6 to 20 microns with Medium Merino reaching 20.1 to 23 microns.
When did New Zealand win the Vellus Aureum Trophy for the first time?
New Zealand won this trophy for the first time in April 2008 with 10.8 micron fleece. An ultrafine 10-micron fleece from Windradeen near Pyramul, New South Wales won in 2010.