What animal produces cashmere wool?

Cashmere, a luxurious and highly sought-after natural fiber, is produced from the soft undercoat of specific breeds of goats, often referred to as cashmere goats. These goats, including varieties like the Changthangi (Pashmina) and Inner Mongolian goat, have adapted to thrive in harsh, cold climates, predominantly found in regions such as Mongolia, Tibet, China, and other parts of Central Asia. The extreme temperatures in these areas lead the goats to grow a remarkably fine, downy undercoat that provides exceptional insulation.

The valuable cashmere fibers are collected during the goats' natural molting season in the spring, when they begin to shed their winter coats. Herders traditionally use specialized combs to gently remove this soft undercoat, carefully separating it from the coarser outer guard hairs. This meticulous hand-combing method helps ensure the quality and length of the delicate fibers. While shearing can also be used, combing often yields a higher quantity of pure cashmere after processing.

Once collected, the raw cashmere undergoes a thorough cleaning and de-hairing process to remove impurities and any remaining coarse hairs. The resulting fine fibers, typically between 12-19 microns in diameter, are then spun into yarn. Cashmere is prized for its incredible softness, lightweight feel, and superior warmth, making it a luxurious material for clothing and textiles. The limited annual yield per animal, with each goat producing only a few hundred grams of the precious fiber, contributes to its high cost and exclusivity.