What Is The Simple Definition Of Candle?

A candle is a device used to produce light from a wick embedded in wax or another flammable substance such as tallow. The purpose of candles is to provide illumination, aroma, or as part of religious rituals or ceremonies. When the wick is lit, it draws up the melted wax or fuel which vaporizes and burns. This produces both light from the flame and heat that melts more of the wax to sustain the burning.

History

Candles have been used for light and to mark time for over 5,000 years. The earliest evidence of candle making dates back to around 3,000 BC in Ancient Egypt and Ancient Crete, where candles were made from beeswax A History of Candle Use. Originally, candles were made from tallow (rendered animal fat) or beeswax. The Ancient Egyptians are credited with inventing the first
wicked candle, which consisted of a reed or rush coated in tallow or beeswax. The Ancient Romans were experts at candle making and developed dipped candles and taper candles.

In early China and Japan, candles were made from whale fat. The Chinese carved candles from this material to illuminate homes and streets. In India, candles were made from boiled cinnamon oil. Originating in the Middle East, the first candle-making guilds were formed in France and England during the Middle Ages. Candles became more elaborate and diverse as techniques advanced during this time.

Components of a Candle

Candles are made up of just a few key components that work together to create the lighting effect. The main components are:

Wick

The wick is a thin piece of string or cord that runs through the center of the candle. Its purpose is to both soak up wax to fuel the flame, and keep the flame in direct contact with the wax. Most wicks are made of braided cotton, but other materials like wood and paper can be used. The thickness and type of wick impacts how quickly it burns and the brightness of the flame. Candle Making Kit: Everything You Need to Know – Why To Trust

Wax

Wax provides the fuel for the candle and holds the wick upright. There are many types of waxes that can be used, like paraffin, soy, beeswax, and gel wax. The melting point, texture, and properties of the wax affect the candle’s burn performance. Aptavani 13 Purvardh

Fragrance

Most candles contain fragrance oils that scent the wax while burning. These are usually synthetic or natural oils blended to produce the desired aroma. Unscented candles contain no extra fragrance.

Dye

Dyes color the wax to create decorative or themed candles. Common dyes are made from organic pigments, minerals, or FD&C colors. White candles contain no dye.

Types of Wax

There are several main types of wax used to make candles:

• Paraffin wax – This is a petroleum-based wax made from refining crude oil. It is the most commonly used candle wax and is relatively inexpensive. Paraffin wax has a high melting point which allows it to retain fragrance and color well. However, it produces more soot than some natural waxes when burned.[1]

• Soy wax – Soy wax is made from hydrogenated soybean oil. It is a renewable and environmentally-friendly option. Soy wax melts at a lower temperature than paraffin, so soy candles must be burned in lower temperatures to avoid tunneling. Soy wax has good scent throw and produces less soot.[1]

• Beeswax – Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honey bees. It has a subtle honey aroma when burned. Beeswax is compatible with essential oils and helps fragrance throw. However, it is more expensive than other waxes.[1]

• Gel wax – Gel wax contains mineral oil so it has a crystal clear appearance. It has excellent scent throw and is flexible for creative designs. However, gel wax can sweat or become tacky in warm environments.[1]

The most common candle wax types all have unique properties. Many candle makers blend waxes to optimize burn, scent, and appearance.

[1] https://www.marthastewart.com/8061950/candle-wax-type-guide

Wick Types

There are a few common types of wicks used in candle making:

Cotton Wicks – These are made from natural cotton fibers that have been braided or twisted together. Cotton wicks are soft and flexible. They tend to provide a mellower, more even flame. Cotton wicks are common in candles like tapers, pillars, and votives. According to Rustic Escentuals Crafting Library, cotton wicks are best for palm wax candles.

Paper Wicks – Paper wicks are made from flat braided paper fibers. They have a flat shape instead of being round like other wicks. Paper wicks have a crisp burn and can make crackling sounds. They are commonly used in container candles. Paper wicks should only be used for shorter burn times according to Realicozy.

Zinc Core Wicks – These wicks have a cotton exterior braid with an inner zinc wire core, as explained by Realicozy. The zinc allows the wick to stand upright and remain rigid. Zinc core wicks provide an even burn and are used for container candles and pillars.

Shapes and Sizes

Candles come in a variety of shapes and sizes for different uses:

Votive: Small candles (usually around 1-3 inches tall and 0.5-1 inches wide) placed in small, glass holders. Votive candles are designed to liquefy completely while burning. They are used for small decorations and centerpieces. References: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/794533559252230068/

Pillar: Tall, cylindrical candles that can range anywhere from 2 inches to over 3 feet in height. Pillar candles have a simple design and long burn time, making them popular decorative and scented candles. References: https://procustombox.com/blog/custom-candle-boxes-for-different-candle-shapes-and-sizes/

Taper: Long, thin candles with a wick on each end. Taper candles are generally 0.5-1 inch wide and 6-12 inches tall. They are often used in candle holders in pairs or groups. The thin design causes them to burn down quickly.

Container: Candles designed specifically to melt into a container, like a jar or tin. Container candles come in many shapes and sizes to fit different holders. The melted wax pools at the bottom as the candle burns down.

Fragrance

Candle fragrances come from essential oils, synthetic fragrance oils, or no fragrance at all for an unscented candle. Essential oils are extracted from plants and can provide natural fragrance but are usually more expensive. Synthetic fragrance oils are artificially created in a lab and allow candle makers to replicate almost any scent at a lower cost. Popular synthetic candle fragrances include fruity, floral, and holiday scents. Unscented candles contain no additional oils or fragrances. They are ideal for those sensitive to scents or looking for a neutral candle.

Dyes

Candle dyes are used to add color to candle wax. There are two main types of candle dyes – liquid dyes and solid dye blocks. Liquid dyes are extremely concentrated and are commonly used for dyeing paraffin, soy, gel, and natural wax blends (Liquid Candle Dye for Candle Making). They allow the color to diffuse evenly throughout the wax. Popular brands of liquid candle dye include CandleScience, Bramble Berry, and Candlewic (Candle Dyes for Candle Making; Candle Dyes | Liquid and Block Options).

Dye blocks are concentrated solid blocks of dye that can be grated or chopped into wax to color candles. They are available in a wide variety of colors. Candle dye blocks allow for custom color mixing by blending different colors together.

Candle dyes can be natural or synthetic. Natural dyes are derived from plants, insects, or minerals. They produce soft, earthy colors. Synthetic dyes produce brighter, more vibrant colors. They also have greater colorfastness than natural dyes.

Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing process for candles involves several key steps:

First, the wax is melted in large vats or containers to liquefy it. The wax is typically heated to temperatures between 150-200°F to fully melt it. Common waxes used include paraffin, soy, beeswax, and palm wax https://www.wonderopolis.org/wonder/how-do-you-make-candles/.

Next, the wicks are inserted into the jars or molds where the wax will be poured. The wicks are carefully centered before pouring the wax.

The melted wax is then poured into the waiting containers and around the wicks. The wax is poured carefully to avoid spills and at the proper temperature to fully coat the containers.

After pouring, the candles are left to cool and set up. This cooling process can take up to 48 hours for the wax to fully harden and stabilize. Cooling allows the crystals in the wax to form giving the candle its final texture.

Some additional steps may include adding fragrance, coloring, or embellishments once cooled. But the basic manufacturing process involves melting wax, inserting wicks, pouring, and cooling https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-candles-made-step-by-step-guide-different-types-waxes-grigore.

Uses

Candles have many practical uses in daily life. Some of the main uses include:

Lighting

Candles provide soft, warm lighting and can be used as the main light source or for accent lighting. They are commonly used during power outages as an emergency light source (Source). Candlelight creates a relaxing ambiance, which is why candles are often used for romantic dinners.

Aromatherapy

Scented candles release fragrance into the air, which can have calming or energizing effects. The aroma from scented candles is used in aromatherapy to promote wellbeing. Specific scents like lavender and chamomile can aid sleep and relaxation (Source).

Decoration

Candles add warm decoration to any space. They come in various colors, shapes, and sizes to complement home decor. Candles create an inviting atmosphere in living rooms, bedrooms, and outdoor spaces.

Ritual

Candles are used in many spiritual and religious rituals. Lighting candles can signify prayer, celebration, remembrance, healing, and more. They create a symbolic focal point for meditation, ceremonies, and rituals (Source).