Observation on Hair Fiber Microstructure of Blue Fox, Mink, and Otter Rabbit
January 2009
TLDR Otter rabbit, mink, and blue fox fur can be identified by their unique hair structures.
The study aimed to distinguish between fur products of blue fox, mink, and otter rabbit to prevent deceptive practices. Using high-definition transverse sections prepared by the Hastelloy slice method and observed through bio-microscope and scanning electron microscopy, it was found that otter rabbit hair had closely arranged scales and a developed medulla with a peanut-like transverse section. Mink hair had a very large rate angle scale and fine sable cashmere with medulla. Blue fox guard hair showed a transition from continuous to intermittent medulla from root to tip, with an oval transverse section and round cashmere with medulla. These structural differences could be used to identify the fur types.