In the mid 1800s there were two major developments in the candle wax industry, stearin wax and paraffin wax. Stearin wax was developed from stearic acid extracted from the fatty acids of animals. This type of candle wax became popular in Europe. Paraffin wax, which became popular in the United States, was developed as a result of removing the natural waxy substance formed during the process of refining petroleum, or crude oil. During the next 150 years many further developments of candle wax took place. These developments include synthetic candle waxes , chemically synthesized candle waxes, gel wax, vegetable based candle waxes, candle wax blends and custom candle wax formulas. The most popular type of candle wax used today is paraffin wax. The chemical composition of paraffin wax is commonly referred to as C25H52 (carbon and hydrogen). However, the actual number of carbon atoms can typically range form 22 to 27. Paraffin has been employed for the manufacture of candles since the 19th century. A mixture of hydrocarbons, it is now obtained almost exclusively from petroleum . the melting point of paraffin varies with the chain lengths of its constituents. Pure paraffins are colorless and transparent, and display a wide range of softening points. (http://candles.lovetoknow.com/What_Is_the_Chemical_Composition_of_Candle_Wax)
Candles can also be made from beeswax, soy, other plant waxes, and tallow (a by-product of beef-fat rendering). Gel candles are made from a mixture of paraffin and plastic.
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