All waxes are primarily hydrocarbons, whether the wax is of animal, vegetable, or petroleum origin. The chemical composition of all waxes used for candle-making is similar.
An estimated 1 billion pounds of wax are used in the candles sold each year in the United States.
Candles account for the second largest use of waxes in North America, after packaging and package coatings.
Paraffin is the most commonly used candle wax today. Beeswax, soy wax, palm wax, gels, and synthesized waxes are also used in candle-making for the U.S. market, as are blends of waxes. Note: Country Light Candle Company manufactures hand-crafted candles made from high quality soy and palm wax - only.
Waxes burn with a yellow flame due to the presence of carbon.
No specific type of wax or wax blend is considered "best" for candlemaking. All candle waxes - when provided in high-quality format - have been shown to burn cleanly and safely.
No candle wax has ever been shown to be toxic or harmful to human health.
There is no such thing as a soot-free wax. All organic compounds when burned will emit some carbon (soot) due to incomplete combustion. Sooting is primarily a factor of wick length and disturbance of the flame's steady teardrop shape.
Reputable candle manufacturers use only high-quality waxes in their formulations.
*The National Candle Association is widely recognized as the leading technical authority on candles and candle manufacturing. For more information, please go to their website at www.candles.org
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