Microcrystalline wax

Microcrystalline waxes are separated from crude oil during the production of heavy lubricating oils. First a high oil product is produced which is called petrolatum; the petrolatum can be further refined as is or defiled to produce a microcrystalline wax. Microcrystalline waxes contain much more branching and are of a higher molecular weight than paraffin waxes. But paraffin waxes and microcrystalline waxes are both carbohydrates, which means they are composed of hydrogen and carbon. The length and type of the carbon chain affect the characteristics of the wax, including its melting point and consistency (soft or hard). Microcrystalline waxes differ from paraffin waxes because of their higher molecular weight and their very fine crystalline structure (hence their name), which makes them more flexible and gives them interesting stickiness properties. Their color vary from white to brown and their consistency from soft(microcrystalline soft or micro soft - no joke) to hard (microcrystalline hard or micro hard). Also, and this is a very interesting point for us candle makers, their melting point is higher than that of paraffin waxes: 150°F to 160°F for micro soft and 170°F to 180°F for micro hard.