Candle

A candle is a light source usually consisting of an internal wick which rises through the center of a column of solid fuel. Typically the fuel is some form of wax with paraffin wax being the most common.

Fuel and candle holders

Candles can be made of paraffin (a byproduct of oil refining), stearin (now produced almost exclusively from palm waxes), beeswax (a byproduct of honey collection), some plant waxes (generally palm, carnauba, bayberry, or soy), or tallow (a rarely used byproduct of beef fat rendering). Candles are produced in various colors, shapes, sizes and scents. The most basic production method generally entails the liquification of the solid fuel by the controlled application of heat. This liquid is then poured into a mold to produce pillar candles, a fireproof jar to produce container candles, or a wick is repeatedly immersed in the liquid to create a dipped taper. Often times scents in the form of a polar or non-polar synthetic oil is added to the liquid wax prior to pouring. Natural scents, in the form of essential oils, can be used, but these are usually only found in premium, small-run candles. Candles may also be colored by the addition of some sort of coloring agent. In practical terms this is almost always an aniline based dye however, pigments can be used in some circumstances.

Related Topics:
Paraffin - Stearin - Beeswax - Honey - Carnauba - Bayberry - Tallow - Wick - Aniline

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It is commonly believed candles made of beeswax and/or soy burn more cleanly than petroleum based paraffin waxes. The amount of soot produced by a candle, independent of what kind of wax is used, is generally more dependent on environmental conditions (drafts will often cause sooting) and the type of wick used (a poorly sized wick will lead to sooting). The inclusion of any scents and/or dyes will increase the amount of particulates put into the air by any candle regardless of construction materials. The cleanest burning candles will therefore be unscented, undyed, and well constructed candles burning in a draft free area.

Related Topics:
Petroleum - Paraffin

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Decorative candle holders, especially those shaped as a pedestal, are called candlesticks; if multiple candles are held, the term candelabrum is also used. The root form of chandelier is from the word for candle, though candles are rarely raised and hung today.

Related Topics:
Candlestick - Chandelier

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