silk

Quick Overview

Silk is a filament fiber formed from proteins secreted by Bombyx mori, or silkworms. Silkworms are not actually worms, but caterpillars, despite their common name. Humans have practiced silk production, which originated in China, for thousands of years. Highly prized for its softness, insulating properties, and strength, silk is a natural animal product and therefore quite expensive. Making silk requires monitoring and feeding the silkworms constantly, and a great deal of effort results in a surprisingly small amount of thread. China managed to keep the secret of silk for thousands of years, exporting the rare textile to Europe over trade routes. Eventually, silkworm eggs were smuggled out, and in the 13th century, Western production of silk began in Italy. This by no means brought the cost down, as the extensive amount of work required to make silk remained the same. Thirty thousand eggs can end up eating one ton of mulberry leaves and producing 12 pounds (5.5 kilograms) of silk.