Beeswax

Beeswax for Soy Candle Making

The honey bee, Apis Mellifera, produce Beeswax from tiny scales which are "sweated" from the segments on the underside of the abdomen in order to build up a hexagonal cell in which honey is stored. Wax first secreted by the bee is a transparent colorless liquid, which turns into a semi-solid substance on contact with the atmosphere. To stimulate the production of beeswax the bees gorge themselves with honey then huddle together to raise the temperature of the cluster. Beeswax varies in color from yellow through brown to black, and it is believed that the pollen carried by the bee affects the coloration. Local flora on which the bee feeds is responsible for this variation, and pollination of agricultural crops is essential for a food supply. To produce one pound of beeswax requires the bees to consume 8 ½ pounds to 10 pounds of honey.

Beeswax has very little shrinkage and will help to increase burn time. Beeswax can be used at 5 to 20% as a soy wax modifier.

Our 100% Beeswax is White in pastille (little pellets) form. It has a melting point of 140 - 149 Deg. and a Saponification Value of 89-103.