Quartz glows with the mystery and beauty of an unearthed gem, seeming to hold nature's energy and to emit its own light. A wonderful mix of 65% merino wool and 35% suri alpaca, Quartz's luster may appear to come from the mineral world, but its radiance and sumptuous softness is, of course, all thanks to the animals and their fleece! Merino and alpaca balance each other wonderfully, creating a yarn that is strong and soft, with both elasticity and drape. Suri alpacas have long, sleek locks and are much less common than their woollier cousin, huacaya alpacas, which makes this super lustrous fiber really special! Quartz knits into a fabric that is supple and smooth, with a slight halo from the suri. A classic fingering weight, best knit on US 2 or 3 (3 or 3.25mm) needles, this yarn is milled and dyed in Peru, where it is Peru Fair Trade Certified, which means the mill that makes it is committed to fair and safe working conditions, as well as a respect for the environment, with low-impact production techniques, a responsible consumption of resources, and the reuse, recycling, and reduction of raw materials. lt also adheres to the European regulations that protect human health and the environment from harmful chemicals. From juicy Fresh Fig to bold Cardinal Red, Quartz comes in almost thirty gorgeous colors, inspired by mineral, animal, and vegetable. We love it for all the accessories: hats, scarves, mitts, and lovely nylon-free socks!