Silk is one of the strongest natural fiber available in almost all parts of the world. It is the most desired fabric both for apparels and home furnishing. Its natural luster and shine makes it associated with the luxury and style. Silk is also highly durable and is a symbol of richness.
Even though there are lot more varieties available in the silk like the satin, jaquard, china silk, crape and so on, there are four basic types of fabric which are categorized according to the way they are made from different silk moths. Lets us discuss them in detail.
Mulberry Silk: This is the most common variety of silk which was known to every one. This kind of silk is extracted from the cocoons made by Bombyx Mori L that completely feeds on the mulberry leaves. This kind of silk is extensively used for manufacturing silk fabric.
Tassar Silk: Unlike mulberry silk, this silk is made from the cocoons constructed by the silk worm named Antheraea mylitta which feeds on arjun and asan plants. The color of the silk is copper and is less shiny than the mulberry silk. The finest variety of the tassar is also available which is made from the cocoons of Antheraea proyeli J, which feeds on Oak plant.
Muga Silk: This silk is produced from the cocoons made by Antheraea assamensis silkworms which feed on the leaves of sorn and soalu plant. The silk of this type is golden yellow in color and mostly comes from Assam and India.
Eri Silk: Eri silk is made from the cocoons made from the silk worm called Philosamia ricini which feed on castor leaves. This is also the finest of the quality and can also be called as Endi or Errandi in some places.
These are the basic varieties of the silk which are made from different silk worms and using this silks the remaining types of the silk fabric are produced.