Microscopy Primer
Light and Color
Microscope Basics
Special Techniques
Digital Imaging
Confocal Microscopy
Live-Cell Imaging
Photomicrography
Microscopy Museum
Virtual Microscopy
Fluorescence
Web Resources
License Info
Image Use
Custom Photos
Partners
Site Info
Contact Us
Publications
Home

The Galleries:

Photo Gallery
Silicon Zoo
Pharmaceuticals
Chip Shots
Phytochemicals
DNA Gallery
Microscapes
Vitamins
Amino Acids
Birthstones
Religion Collection
Pesticides
BeerShots
Cocktail Collection
Screen Savers
Win Wallpaper
Mac Wallpaper
Movie Gallery

Polarized Light Microscopy Digital Image Gallery

Angora Goat Hair

The Angora goat is a breed that originated in the Angora province of Asia Minor in ancient times. Prized for its long, lustrous coat, the animal was protected from exportation from the region until the sixteenth century and was not introduced to the United States until the mid-1800s.

Typically smaller than other types of goats and sheep, the Angora goat is often said to have a gentle disposition. It breeds in autumn and has a gestation period of approximately 149 days. Through selective breeding, the ruminant’s outer coat of coarse guard hairs has been almost completely eliminated, leaving behind only a soft, fleecy underfur that grows in long locks. These locks are usually sheared twice annually, producing about 10 pounds of fleece per year per animal.

Despite the name, Angora fabrics sold in stores do not come from the fleece of the Angora goat. Rather, items so marked are created from the fur of the Angora rabbit. Commercially, the hair of the Angora goat, as well as the fabrics made from it, is known as mohair, a term that derives from the Arabic word mukhayyar. Mohair, which is revered for its beauty as well as its strength and durability, was at one time so valuable that it was solely utilized in the wardrobe of the Sultan of Turkey. In modern times, however, mohair finds use in many items, but primarily outerwear, sweaters, and upholstery fabrics.


BACK TO THE HAIRS GALLERY

BACK TO THE POLARIZED LIGHT GALLERY

Questions or comments? Send us an email.
© 1998-2022 by Michael W. Davidson and The Florida State University. All Rights Reserved. No images, graphics, scripts, or applets may be reproduced or used in any manner without permission from the copyright holders. Use of this website means you agree to all of the Legal Terms and Conditions set forth by the owners.
This website is maintained by our
Graphics & Web Programming Team
in collaboration with Optical Microscopy at the
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory.
Last modification: Friday, Nov 13, 2015 at 01:19 PM
Access Count Since November 20, 2003: 16424
For more information on microscope manufacturers,
use the buttons below to navigate to their websites: