Category:Fiber Identification

Fibers are the primary elements in textiles and paper. Identification generally involves taking a small sample from the artifact and dispersing the fibers on a microscope slide so that they can be individually examined. Microscopy, stains, solubility, and burn tests are often employed to determine classification, chemical composition, and pulping process. Fiber identification is not necessarily straightforward. Consultation and study using reference material and known fiber samples is essential.