Hierarchy classification:

1. top of the aat hierarchies
2. Materials Facet
3. Materials (hierarchy name)
4. materials (substances)
5. [materials by composition]
6. organic material
7. wax
8. [wax by composition or origin]
9. mineral wax

Narrower term/s

• microcrystalline wax

Anotations

Scope note:

Colorless to white, translucent, flammable, hard wax of straight-chain hydrocarbon residue distilled from petroleum and shale, ranging in melting point from about 48-66 degrees C (120-150 F). Paraffin wax is obtained from petroleum by dewaxing light lubricating oil stocks; it was first produced commercially in 1867. It is used in candles, wax paper, polishes, cosmetics, sealing, and electrical insulators. It assists in extracting perfumes from flowers, forms a base for medical ointments, and supplies a waterproof coating for wood. In wood and paper matches, it helps to ignite the matchstick by supplying an easily vaporized hydrocarbon fuel.