Refers to the sable’s fur, a pine marten species (Martes zibellina) indigenous to northern climates, the Ural mountains and Siberia. Sable fur has long been a luxury item for fashion and ceremonial collars.
The term zibeline is most commonly used to describe fabric made to look like sable fur. This can be made from any material, usually long haired sheep’s wool or alpaca or from a thick, soft, woollen cloth with a long pile.