Unicorn Cashmere

Magic as it returned to the world, was fond of changing things to be different than they were before. Some of these things were very visible, like Gryphons, while others barely made it into the public eye. Such was the case for the subtle re-emergence of Unicorns. It started as a few goats in a herd in Kashmir, growing a singular spiraling horn but not changing otherwise. It slowly evolved to them geneing out to one color over another, not really mixing, with the dominant color being white.

No a single person suspected that these few goats were the Legendary Unicorns. Because over time these stories had made them into horses over the truth. So their Fleece was harvested and sold as normal. The objects that were made with this cashmere, started off slowly showing their differences. Longer lasting, Warmer, it SPARKLES, it was very slow but eventually the farmers themselves began to question why those differences were showing up when everything was the same as it had been.

This is when the Internal investigations began. Over several years, several herds were sampled. The results turned out that the differences in cashmere was depended on the ratio of strange goats to regular goats. The investigation then began to suspect those single horned goats. And so they began testing the Fleece from those types specifically. This was when they finally had their breakthrough. So the investigations began looking into how different the Mono-Horned goats were to regular goats. Not much about them seemed to be different, until they were tested for magical affinity. Where compared to normal goats these goats were VERY magically attuned. After a bit of research and truly looking at old tales it was realized that these Magically attuned goats were in fact, Unicorns. 

Knowing this and marketing it were two different things however. It had been a long time since True Unicorns had been seen, and many believed that they were more similar to horses than goats. So the advertising or propaganda campaign to help these Unicorns get the recognition that was deserved for their truth. It was quite a long fight, but eventually the public had to accept that these were the only unicorns that they were going to get. It is still something that is in conflict, with advertisers who want something cutesy that will sell towards young girls perpetuating the stereotypes long in the public eye, while farmers want their animals to be known as what they are. Many industries are still reeling from the unexpected Unicorn, while the Textile industry is thriving with this really interesting new type of fibre.

Properties

Material Characteristics

Cashmere fiber is crimped (rather than wavy), soft, and lacking luster. By industry standards it must be at least 1-1/4′ long with an average diameter less than 19 microns. A micron is one-millionth of a meter (a meter is about a yard), so each fiber is very, very fine.
True Unicorn cashmere glitters softly in any light, and is far more durable then regular cashmere. It also tends to be warmer then average sweaters, despite being thinner looking.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Soft and downy to the touch, this fibre is tightly packed. When knitted, knotted, or tied together it can hold heat in well.

Geology & Geography

It is found in a vareity of Cashmere Goat herds, from all over.

Origin & Source

Kashmir Cashmere goats. Later distinctly defined as Cashmere Unicorns.

History & Usage

History

The Fleece was harvested and sold as normal. Going into a vareity of things such as, sweaters, blankets, yarn, and sometimes even thread. The objects that were made with this cashmere, started off slowly showing their differences. Longer lasting, Warmer, it SPARKLES, it was very slow but eventually the farmers themselves began to question why those differences were showing up when everything was the same as it had been. When and investicagtion was conducted it found that the fleece was different from average goats, by being highly magical! Because of this is was sold off seperately to be used in the same soert of soft comfort products, but marketed as Unicorn cashmere. 
Over time, because of this fleece, the refinement process for the fibres went out of control. Then began trying to find ways of making it so that this magically enhanced fur could be used in even more things, without the difficulty processing it into only one type of knitted product.

Discovery

The investigation then began to suspect those single horned goats, and so they began testing the Fleece from those types specifically. This was when they finally had their breakthrough. So the investigations began looking into how different the Mono-Horned goats were to regular goats. Not much about them seemed to be different, until they were tested for magical affinity. Where compared to normal goats these goats were VERY magically attuned. After a bit of research and truly looking at old tales it was realized that these Magically attuned goats were in fact, Unicorns. Technically the discovery of this  creature went back much earlier than the Investigation report, but it could not be verified or confirmed since the person who first stumbled upon it did not report it.

Everyday use

The Fleece of the Cashmere Unicorn is used much like the fleece of any animal. It is used to create textiles. I can be seen in thread, yarn, sweaters, socks, coats, blankets, wall hangings, tea cozies, mittens, leg warmers, and arigurumis. But this is not the only set of examples that can be extrapolated from that, as people are always coming up with new ways to craft using yarn or Fleece. Simply put anything that wool can do, so can Unicorn Cashmere.

Cultural Significance and Usage

Like in it's uses, It is a common material used in crafting. So it's cultural use is showing someone you care about them by crafting them someting to keep them warm when the outside is not. Or to create something of beauty that makes you, or a loved one, smile. It can be used to craft for a living, or to have something nice feeling around. In essence is is a comfort object, can be used to make comfort objects, and is considered a luxury item.

Industrial Use

It goes from fleece into any number of products.  Like hats, thread, yarn, sweaters, socks, coats, blankets, wall hangings, tea cozies, mittens, leg warmers, and arigurumis. And before it is any of these things it has to be carded, sorted, woven, spun, and any of a number of industrial processes before it can be sold.

Refinement

It does have to undergo a rigorous cleaning, carding, and sorting before it can be sold. In this refinement process they also add the colors or dyes that change how the fibers look.

Manufacturing & Products

Hats, thread, yarn, sweaters, socks, coats, blankets, wall hangings, tea cozies, mittens, leg warmers, and arigurumis. SO MANY things can be made with this material. It's hard to even list all of them in a single place.

Byproducts & Sideproducts

Like goats, Unicrons can also be used for milk, meat, and leather. They are a favorite among skull collectors and Taxidermists because of the initial confusion, and the broken expectations/stereotypes.

Hazards

You might get kicked, or head-butted. And while an Unprotected Unicorn horn is sharp and can stab, they are often wrapped in foam or fabric to prevent this.

Distribution

Trade & Market

Unicorn Cashmere so far is following the standard trade for most Fleece. Harvested, refined, then sold to companies to make out of it what they will then sell it out to the public. The main difference is that for the moment it is also being sold to those who wish to do magical research, understand it properties scientifically, or use the raw fibers as materials in potions. 
Highly marketable due ti it's uniqueness and rarity... it also fills an interesting niche in the magic .market.

Storage

Like all other cashmere products you need to store it properly if you don't choose to wear it. Store it in a place that is free from damp and away from sunlight, an example might be a drawer, shelf, or on top of a wardrobe. Store the knitwear only in a breathable, zip-up plastic bag, along with a couple of cedar wood balls to help keep them fresh.

Type

Textile

Value

The price of it can range from as little as $80 to as much as $4,800. Depending on the quality, and designer of the product.

Rarity

Since the goat can produce only 4 ounces of the Fleece each year, it makes this fiber extremely rare as compared to other types of hair.

Odor

Raw Fleece from the animal, smells like the animal. Where as processed items rarely have a distinct smell.

Color

Naturally brown, black, auburn, or white, this material can be dyed a multitude of colors.

Common State

It is only found as a solid. It is a fur after all.