Paraffin candles. Which candles are better - wax or paraffin

Wax and paraffin candles can be found in temples. Ceteris paribus, wax candles are preferable. Why this is so, and how to distinguish one from the other - I will tell below.

natural vs artificial

Wax is a product that bees produce to build honeycombs. For the production of wax, special glands located in the bee body are responsible.

In contrast, paraffin is a synthetic substance obtained mainly from oil, a mixture of hydrocarbons. In the production of candles, chemical wax substitutes, fragrances and other components are added to paraffin.

That is, unlike wax, paraffin is artificial chemical. From here you can see the difference between wax and paraffin candles. Firstly, paraffin candles burn for a maximum of 15 minutes, and wax candles burn 2-3 times longer. In addition, the wax candle does not go out, but burns out to the end. Also, if you look closely, we will notice that paraffin and wax candles do not look alike. Paraffin candles are light yellow, while wax candles are darker. And as they burn, they can gradually turn orange.

The candles on the left are suspiciously light. Most likely paraffin. The candles on the right are made of wax.

Smell when burning

Beeswax candles have a rich, warm honey scent.

Currently, natural wax candles are included in the list of natural aroma candles. This is due to the fact that the aroma of wax candles comes essentially from their material itself, and is not introduced by extraneous additives, as, for example, with paraffin candles.

Physical properties

Differences between wax and paraffin candles are easily noticeable when performing physical actions on them. If we try to bend a wax candle, it will remain intact with only a slight change in shape. A paraffin candle will fall apart with a similar procedure. In addition, a wax candle is easily cut with a knife, and a paraffin one will again fall apart or crumble.

Almost the only value of paraffin candles is their shelf life. Unlike wax candles, which become covered with a white coating over time, paraffin candles do not change color and shape over time. This happens thanks to chemical composition paraffin candles. Some also see the value of paraffin candles in their cost. As a rule, the price of a donation for a paraffin candle in a temple is 2-3 times less than for a wax one.

However, at the same time, the significant harm that paraffin candles bring to people, and even to the temple, is forgotten. You need to know that cheap paraffin candles are artificially produced from ceresin or Austrian resin, as it is also called. Smoke, soot and fumes from such candles smoke iconostases and affect the health of Christians. The reason for this is that ceresin is, in fact, condensed oil. According to geologists, low-purified varieties of ceresin have a strong smell of oil, which is very similar to the smell of kerosene. From the soot and burning of such candles, a person has a headache, sometimes severe, which can turn into nausea or dizziness.

Doctors have found that the smoke of paraffin candles affects not only the physical, but also the psychological health of people, which various psychics like to use. So, from the stable soot of paraffin candles, subconscious fear may appear.

Holy fathers about the church candle

We examined the differences between wax candles and paraffin candles. It remains to remember that we know about candles from the saints and apostles. The 72nd and 73rd Apostolic Canons point directly to the constant use of wax in the church life of the first centuries:

If one of the clergy, or a layman, steals wax or oil from the holy church: let him be excommunicated from the communion of the church, and add five to what he took.

Later, a 15th-century saint writes about the need to light wax candles:

Wax, as the purest substance, means our purity and the sincerity of the offering; wax, as a substance on which objects can be imprinted, means the seal or sign of the cross, which is placed on us in baptism and chrismation; wax, as a soft and bendable substance, means our obedience and readiness to repent of our sinful life; wax, collected from fragrant flowers, means the grace of the Holy Spirit, wax, composed of many flowers, means an offering made by all Christians; wax, as a burning substance, means our burning (that is, our nature, purified by divine fire); and finally wax, in which fire burns, and this very light, constantly burning, means the union and strength of our mutual love and peace ”(see New Tablet. Ch. 134. C. 40).

But the opinion of practically our contemporaries, the bishops who served in Russian Empire before the Revolution of 1917:

On May 4, 1882, the Holy Synod determined that only candles made from pure beeswax should be used in churches.

In the end, I would like to say that it is not the material of the candle that is the main thing in prayer. And if the prayer is done sincerely, then it does not matter whether the paraffin candle burns in front of the icon or the wax one. Do not forget about the main thing, and the rest will follow.

Many people involved in spiritual development and yoga often use candles. For example, lighting them while doing some practice and creating a special atmosphere in the room. In yoga, there is such a shatkarma (cleansing practice) as looking at a candle flame, called trataka. Also trataka is.

A candle is a symbol of connection with the Cosmos, the Higher Mind. Her fire is the light of our soul, our bright thoughts. Like a small sun, the fire of a candle helps to transform a person and move towards a righteous life. The softness and suppleness of wax expresses a person's readiness for obedience, his humility, and a short burning - an unfaithful life that is easy to extinguish, its transience. When a person prays, lighting a candle at the same time, he makes a sacrifice to God (instead of animals), thereby showing his respect and humility.

It is believed that if you look at the fire, it cleanses the human aura and the space around.

The history of candles goes back hundreds of thousands of years. The first candles were made from animal fat and oily fish, in contrast to modern wax and paraffin candles. Initially, they resembled a small torch. The Romans invented the wick, the Chinese and Japanese continued their work. Some used rice paper as a wick, others rolled the papyrus into a tube and immersed it in a container where the fat was. Candles were also made from resin and plant fibers. The American Indians obtained wax by burning the bark of the wax tree or resin tree. Candles were also made from pine resin. Much later, cotton and hemp fibers began to be used for wicks.

In the Middle Ages, they began to make candles from bee wax. This made it possible to avoid the shortcomings of oil candles, since the wax does not produce any soot or an unpleasant odor, it burns brightly and evenly. But fat is easier to obtain in large quantities than wax, so wax candles were expensive, however, as they are now.

Invented in 1850 paraffin from which most modern candles are made. Paraffin is obtained from oil and shale. The mass production of paraffin made it possible to make cheap candles, since it cost much less than wax and similar substances. The material for paraffin candles is, of course, paraffin, but mixed with stearin (stearin 1 gives the candle softness, makes it less fragile). Dyes are used fatty: they are perfectly soluble in paraffin and give even saturated tones. At the end of the 20th century, a “candle renaissance” began all over the world. Decorative fragrant candles have become an indispensable attribute of the holidays, original gift, interior decoration. In addition to traditional elongated candles, you can now find figurine candles, gel candles in glasses, floating tablets, tea candles (in an aluminum case), candles in glassware or coconuts.

The fruits of scientific and technological progress, unfortunately, are not always favorable for people. The use of most modern candles can be very harmful to human health! This is what I want to talk about below. So, why are candles harmful ...

Firstly, during combustion, paraffin releases benzene and toluene into the air, carcinogens that are very harmful to a living organism. Along with carcinogenic, benzene has mutagenic, gonadotoxic, embryotoxic, teratogenic and allergic effects. Toluene is a general toxic poison that causes acute and chronic poisoning. Its irritant effect is more pronounced than that of benzene. It causes endocrine disorders and reduces performance, prolonged contact with small doses of toluene can affect the blood. Due to its high solubility in lipids and fats, toluene accumulates mainly in the cells of the central nervous system.

Secondly, many manufacturers use a complex compound as a fixative for the durability of the aroma - diethyl phthalate, which chemists refer to the medium toxic category. It can cause allergic reactions and eczema, dizziness, headache, violation of the rhythm of breathing, lacrimation, nausea and vomiting. It has a teratogenic and mutagenic effect, which is very dangerous for pregnant women. With regular exposure, it can affect the nervous and respiratory system, internal organs and blood cells, promote the formation malignant tumors. By the way, very often this fixative is used in perfumery.

Thirdly, almost all chemical (helium, stearin 1 and paraffin) candles contain up to 70% of various additives, dyes, fragrances and other ingredients. In the production of scented candles, artificial additives are very often used. It is good if these flavors have a neutral effect on human health. There is a high probability that the fragrance in the candle will be cheap synthetic, and therefore harmful, the dye will also be used in such a way as to reduce the cost of the product.

Even if the candle is scented with natural essential oils, the fragrance burns out in the process and its effect can be harmful. The oil is very hot, its chemical structure changes and the aroma is distorted. Therefore, I do not advise abusing even natural scented candles ...

Rare use of paraffin candles will not bring any severe harm, but systematic use will have an effect on your body. If a paraffin candle burns in a ventilated room 2-3 times a week, for about half an hour, nothing bad will happen.

Often candles are lit in poorly ventilated rooms and in the evening. Because of this, lovers of various flavors sleep in a smoky room with a high content of toxic substances in the air. Be sure to ventilate the room! Scientists state the fact that inhaling the vapors of an aromatic candle throughout the evening is equivalent to several hours of passive smoking.

In small spaces a large number of lit candles are especially dangerous. Enough 1-2.

Do not light candles for several hours in a row and use them as an air freshener.

Buy safe scented candles made from natural wax - bees or soy. Beeswax candles don't even need to be scented - they smell like honey and propolis when they burn, but they often have the right essential oils added as well. Soy wax is obtained from soybeans - they learned how to make candles from it not so long ago, but they were immediately appreciated by experts. There are candles that use palm and coconut wax. To determine a paraffin or wax candle, remove the shavings from it with a knife. The paraffin will crumble.

Safe, natural-scented candles are sold only in specialized stores. The smallest candle made of beeswax or soy wax can be more expensive than a whole pack of paraffin candles.

If you set a goal, then, surfing the Internet, you can find the most diverse and original eco-friendly wax candles. Now many craftsmen offer their author's works. Personally, I found a very interesting option for myself - herbal wax candles.

And my last parting word, dear reader: carefully examine the wick of the candle. If you notice a metal rod in the weaving of the wick, then this is a lead thread. well and bad influence lead on cardiovascular and nervous system We have known for a long time...

I hope the one who reads this article will become more attentive to the choice of candles.

Take care of yourself and be healthy! OM.

1. Stearin(French stearine, from Greek stear - fat) - an organic product derived from fats. Consists of stearic acid with an admixture of palmitic, oleic and other saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Now you can find vegetable stearin, it is obtained by pressing chilled coconut or palm oil.

We purchased candles from various churches and a honey shop and experimented to see which candles were actually wax.

Unfortunately, in our time to meet 100% wax candles good quality extremely difficult. All over the world preference is given to paraffin candles, they are cheap, but all the advantages of paraffin candles end there.

Paraffin is a derivative of oil, in addition to paraffin, the composition of the candle includes a large set of chemical wax substitutes, stearin and fragrances. When burning, these candles emit toxic substances, and paraffin itself is a carcinogen when burned. Now think about what the candles that we love to light on birthday cakes are made of? And they do drip into the cake when burning.

Candles made from real raw beeswax are not only safe, but also healthy! Such candles include propolis, which gives a special smell to candles and when burned, evaporating, cleans and disinfects the air in the room and has a beneficial effect on the entire human body.

How can you tell wax candles from paraffin candles?

The experiment involved:

1. Control candle - a candle made by the owner of the Old Believer Church by hand from the raw bee wax of our bees in the Russian Taurus. (Read the production of our wax candles in the previous article)

2. Factory-made wax candle from refined wax, bought in a church on the square in 1905.

3. Half-wax candle from the church on the square in 1905 (The percentage of wax in the candles turned out to be low).

4. Candle “wax” from a honey shop, as it turned out in the experiment, paraffin with other wax substitutes and perfume.

5. Festive paraffin candle from the church on Goncharny Lane.

6. The Jerusalem candle, burnt with holy fire, bought in the same church, turned out to be 100% paraffin.

The experiment showed:

1) By smell:

1. Our raw wax candle has a strong natural wax scent that can be felt when the candle is held up to the nose.

2. The factory candle has a very slight wax smell, almost no smell, as it is made from purified wax, from which all impurities that give such a unique aroma to our candles have been removed.

3. The semi-wax candle is odorless.

4. "Wax" from a honey shop has no smell.

5. Paraffin candle is odorless.

6. Jerusalem paraffin is also odorless.

2) Touch:

1. Our candle is slightly rough, pleasant to the touch, waxy.

2. The factory wax candle is smoother but also natural to the touch.

3. Semi-wax is less pleasant to the touch, more like paraffin.

4. "Wax" from a honey shop is unpleasant to the touch, it also resembles paraffin more

5. and 6. Paraffin to the touch like soap, very unpleasant, greasy.

3) When cutting with a knife:

1. Our candle is easy to cut, like plasticine, it does not crumble on the cut

2. Factory candle behaves the same

3. Semi-wax is a little more difficult to cut, it is more solid.

4. "Wax" from a honey shop is cut normally.

5. Paraffin is cut in the same way as semi-wax. Apparently, in addition to paraffin, there are other wax substitutes in the composition, which make the candle closer in properties to wax.

6. Jerusalem candle behaves like 100% paraffin, crumbles when cut, there is no plasticity.

4. When burning:

1. Our candle burns evenly, does not flow (does not cry), melts when burning, forming a drop of wax inside the candle. During combustion, it periodically crackles. Burns slowly. Gives a very faint smell of wax. The candle is easily placed on a drop of wax on a glass surface.

2. The factory light is also on.

3. Semi-wax burns a little faster.

4. "Wax" from the honey shop burns very quickly. It was not possible to put it on the surface, the droplet instantly froze, indicating a paraffin origin, greasy to the touch.

5. Paraffin burns quickly, flows, but there is a drop during melting, which also indicates the presence of other impurities in it besides paraffin. Does not smell when burned. I also failed to light a candle.

6. Jerusalem behaves like pure paraffin, burns very quickly, as if evaporating in the air, without forming droplets. Does not smell when burned. Failed to light a candle.

5. If you hold glass over a candle flame:

1. Our candle does not give soot or gives a very slight subtle darkening of the glass.

2. Factory candle also.

3. Semi-wax smokes glass moderately

4. "Wax" from the honey shop heavily smokes the glass, it turns black

5. Paraffin strongly smokes the same as the previous candle

6. Jerusalem paraffin also gives a lot of soot on the glass.

6. When extinguishing a candle:

1. Our candle gives off a natural, waxy scent in places.

2. factory also

3. Semi-wax gives a slight unpleasant paraffin odor.

4. "Wax" from a honey shop gives a strong unpleasant paraffin smell

5. and 6. An even more unpleasant strong smell.

7. Plasticity of the candle:

1. Our candle is very plastic, bends easily, and does not break or crumble.

2. factory also

3. Semi wax also

4. “Wax” from a honey shop is quite plastic, but crumbles when broken

5. Paraffin plastic, indicates other impurities

6. Jerusalem immediately breaks and crumbles, there is no plasticity, indicates 100% paraffin.

You can now buy natural wax candles from raw wax in Yekaterinburg in our online store.

Paraffin candles are beautiful in appearance and quite elegant. They are used, as a rule, to give a festive atmosphere to any event.

Description

Paraffin is the most common candle material, having supplanted stearin as a staple as early as the early 19th century.

In 1830, the German chemist Carl von Reikenbach discovered chemical compound called paraffin. The resulting substance instantly gained popularity not only among candle makers (paraffin in one form or another is part of most candles), but also affected the textile, food, and printing industries.

The composition of the candle

In a purified form, the resulting product is actively used in the manufacture of candles. It is a colorless substance that has neither taste nor smell. The resulting material is oily to the touch, insoluble in water, but highly soluble in mineral oils and when heated in a variety of oils of vegetable origin. The density of the purified material varies within 0.907-0.915/cm 3 . A colorless substance has a low thermal conductivity. Synthetic material begins to melt at a temperature of 50-60 ° C.

Essentially, paraffin is a carbon compound. Chemists and scientists know many varieties of a chemical compound.

Difference from wax

Unlike wax candles, paraffin candles do not burn for long. Wax ones are inferior to them in beauty, and even in an interesting design, in appearance they look more like church ones. However, from a medical point of view, candles made from wax are better than paraffin candles, as they are made from a natural material - wax produced by bees. Due to the fact that wax candles are quite expensive, they are usually made not entirely from beeswax, but with blotches various materials in order to extend the burning time of the candle, as well as to imitate a natural aroma.

Basic hallmark paraffin candles from wax is fragility. So, candles made from paraffin crumble easily, because they are a direct product of oil refining. wax candles always cut in an even layer.

Household paraffin candle

Household candles are most often made from untinted paraffin of medium or high purity. In appearance, they have a cylindrical shape, in color, as a rule, white translucent or opaque. Such candles are the simplest, most popular and cheapest type of candles. Use them for their intended purpose during a power outage. It is used by placing it in a candlestick, with the help of which the candle becomes more stable.

Candle production

Paraffin candles can be easily made at home. For this you will need the following materials:

• Paraffin (for example, from old candles or purchased in the form of a bar).
• Small load (you can use a nut).
• Thread for the wick.
• Essential oils and dyes.
• Metal utensils for melting.
• Form (you can use a children's sandbox kit).

The next step is to prepare the paraffin. In the case of using old candles or purchased, but ugly, they must be placed in hot water. Then cut, pull out the wick from the inside and lower it into the dishes. Melt the paraffin with a water bath.

In the case of purchasing a piece of paraffin in a specialized store, you need to cut it into small pieces and immerse it in a melting dish. At this time, it is necessary to stir the mass periodically to prevent overheating, blackening and leakage of the substance.

Then you need to lubricate the walls of the candle mold with liquid soap and tie a load to one of the ends of the wick, placing it in the center of the mold. Add dry dye or wax colored crayons to the straightened paraffin mass. Pour in essential oil or fragrance. Then, slowly, in a thin stream, it is necessary to pour the paraffin into the prepared form. After that, a candle made of paraffin should be left to dry completely in the room.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of the candle include good melting of the paraffin candle. Synthetic material perfectly melts and takes any shape. Paraffin also goes well with dyes, for example, when mixed with fatty dyes, it gives a rich bright color.

The only thing you should pay attention to when adding dyes and flavors is that you don’t need to get carried away with them. For the simple reason that when a paraffin candle burns, an excess of dye can release harmful, toxic substances and create soot on the wick. A large amount of flavor give off an unpleasant odor when burned.

Another positive point that can be used in the manufacture of candles is their versatility and unlimited scope for imagination. During production, metal, colored chips are added to paraffin candles, they are decorated different ways with the help of glass. In the form of molds for paraffin candles, silicone, glass, and metal molds are used.

The disadvantages of candles made from paraffin include their inability to for a long time save certain form. So, after a short amount of time, candles made of pure paraffin are deformed, especially at high temperatures. To avoid this, experienced craftsmen involved in the production of candles add stearin, beeswax or mineral wax, ceresin or ozocerite.

Also, an unpleasant property that occurs when using candles can include soot and acrid smoke. When the following negative signs appear, the conclusion suggests itself that in the preparation of such a candle, unpurified synthetic material was used. And, therefore, in the composition of the candle there is a significant proportion of mineral impurities. Soaking the candle wick in ammonium chloride can help in such a situation.

Useful properties of candles

The material in question has beneficial features for a person. Scientists have come to this discovery relatively recently. In their opinion, paraffin candles, made with eucalyptus or thyme essential oils, have the ability to destroy pathogenic bacteria. Scientists and researchers have come to the conclusion that it is all about the correct concentration of oils in the miraculous candle. For the simple reason that the basis essential oil- turpentine, but about healing properties This material was heard by our grandmothers. So in the near future, thanks to the burning of a candle, it will be possible to eliminate a huge number of microorganisms harmful to human health.

Also, heated paraffin improves blood circulation and accelerates the healing process of wounds, significantly improves the functioning of the joints. Treatment with synthetic material is often used in the post-traumatic period during rehabilitation after injuries.

Paraffin candles today can be found on sale in any hardware store. Of course, products of this type for domestic use are not as popular as in past centuries. However, sometimes they are still bought in case of a power outage. Decorative candles are sold simply in huge quantities. This product option can be used to create a romantic atmosphere in the room, to decorate cakes, holiday tables etc.

A bit of history

Where candles began to be made is not known for certain. It is believed that the first such products were made in Egypt. At that time, they were made from the core of the rush. The first official mention of candles dates back to the 10th century. BC e. Some ancient sources contain information about products of this type, which were containers with a wick inserted into them, filled with a special solution. Solid candles, remotely similar to modern ones, were invented by the Romans. They rolled the papyrus into a tube and dipped it in fat.

For centuries, candles have been the most common way to light rooms. They were often used in various kinds of religious ceremonies. By the 13th century entire guilds of candle makers appeared in Europe.

Types of candles

Modern industry produces candles:

Household. Made from untinted paraffin wax. A household paraffin candle usually has a white translucent color.

Canteens. Such candles can be twisted, aromatic or classic.

Hemp. Also have a beautiful appearance. They differ from canteens only in large diameter.

Church. They can be made from both paraffin and wax.

Decorative. Such candles are made from colored paraffin and usually have some unusual shape.

Candles on the cake. They differ from ordinary ones in that they have a long and thin shape.

Tea candles. Are issued in the form of tablets.

What equipment is used to produce

Paraffin candles can be made both manually and on the machine. In the first case, use special shapes for casting. They can be made from metal, silicone or plastic. With a manual production method, it is also used:

A special container for melting paraffin, designed according to the principle of a water bath.

Scales for weighing ingredients.

Water tank. Used for cooling finished products.

In a procedure such as the production of paraffin candles, as additional material stearin may be used. Also, owners of small workshops purchase wicks wound into coils. In the manufacture of decorative paraffin candles, various beautiful trinkets can also be used: beads, shells, dried flowers, etc.

The design of the machine designed for the production of candles includes a frame on which the wicks are hung. Candles are obtained after repeated dipping of the latter in paraffin or wax.

How molded products are made

According to this technology, paraffin candles are made as follows:

The wick is pulled through a hole in the mold. A small part of it (about 5 cm) is brought out. In order to set the wick in the center, you can use a match or a paper clip.

The form is installed in a container with water poured into it with a layer of 2-3 cm. This is necessary to prevent the contents from leaking out.

Melted paraffin is poured into the mold. Drops that fall on the work surface are wiped off with a rag.

A hardening candle is pierced around the filter with a sharp object. This avoids deformation.

After hardening, the candle is removed from the mold. It's not too difficult to do this. During the hardening process, the candle shrinks slightly in size.

Features of casting technology

The manufacture of paraffin candles always begins with lubricating the mold with oil. This operation is done with both silicone and metal equipment. Instead of oil, a special one can be used. After melting the paraffin, various dyes and aromatic additives can be added to it. None hard objects(sequin, etc.), of course, it is impossible to lay in a candle. In the process of using the latter, they will light up. Stearin is added to paraffin, usually in a ratio of 1x4.

Sometimes it happens that the candle "does not want" to go out of shape. In this case, it's easy to do. The form with a candle is placed in the freezer for several minutes.

Manufacturing technology of carved products

In this case, the traditional method of casting candles is somewhat modified. In the manufacture of carved products, paraffin wax of one color or several can be used. In the latter case, it is pre-melted, dyes are added to it, and then poured into separate containers. Next, the master dips the candle blank into the first of these bowls, holding it by the filter, and holds it for several seconds. Then the candle is pulled out and lowered into cold water. After that, the blank is placed in the next container, etc. As a result of all these manipulations, a very beautiful decorative candle is obtained. The desired shape is given to it with the help of a cutter.

Domestic candle market

In Russia, there are two main types of such products - church and decorative. Candles of both types, as already mentioned, are often made from paraffin. We also have a household segment of such products in our country, but not too large. This group includes household and tea tablet candles.



From the category of decorative candles, a separate variety can be distinguished - gift. Such products are specially prepared for the donation process and colorfully decorated. The decorative group also includes sculptures and souvenirs. In addition, collectible expensive items can also be distinguished separately.

Top Producers

Today, many workshops produce candles from paraffin. Such small enterprises can be engaged in both mass production of similar products of the same design, and the implementation of exclusive works to order. There are workshops of this specialization in every region of our country. In Moscow, for example, there are such manufacturers of paraffin candles as the Aroma of Fire company and the Candle Yard company.

Price categories

Among other things, Russian market candles can be divided into price segments. The budget class includes products costing from 10-30 rubles apiece. Such paraffin candles wholesale from the manufacturer are purchased very often. Usually these are household or tea options. Products of the middle price category include products costing from 30 to 200 rubles. It can be gift, interior or souvenir candles. There are also expensive products from 200 to 500 rubles. These are usually sculptural candles made by hand using a cutter.



Products more expensive than 500 rubles are usually made only to order. For example, the Svechnoy Dvor company also produces such paraffin candles. Moscow, therefore, is a city whose residents can easily order such a cute exclusive trinket.