Mohs Scale

A renewable resource that's harvested from the outer-bark of Cork Oak Trees (Quercus suber) every 9 to 12 years, allowing the tree to grow for over 200 years. Cork is formed by suberin cells, a complex fatty acid, making tiny honeycomb-like structures filled with air (90% of its volume). Lightweight, impermeable, hypoallergenic, insulating, anti-static, antimicrobial, fire retardant, and buoyant, cork has been used for millennia. Portugal produces over 50% of the world's cork supply. In Ancient Greece, the cork oak was revered as a symbol of liberty and honor; only priests were authorized to cut them.

Cork offers grounding and nature connection, due to its tree origins. It gives protection and preserves inner peace, while providing balance. Due to its ability to float, cork is associated with resilience, and the ability to 'stay afloat' in metaphor.

Wine stoppers account for 60% of cork used, and 66% of cork industry revenue. Cork is commonly used in construction materials like insulation boards, flooring, and wall tiles due to its thermal properties. Cores of cricket balls, baseballs, shuttlecocks, table tennis bats, and fishing rod handles are made from cork, partially due to its light weight and ability to float. Cork is used for handbags, wallets, shoes, orthopedics, hats and fashion. It's even used in aerospace and automotive applications as heat shielding in space vehicles and for gaskets/seals in engines.