Crayola wax crayons are primarily made from two key ingredients: paraffin wax and color pigment.
Understanding the Composition
According to Crayola, the fundamental makeup of their standard wax crayons is straightforward and consistent across their range of colors.
Reference Information:
All Crayola® Crayons are made with paraffin wax and color pigment.
This simple combination forms the basis of the crayon's structure and its ability to create vibrant colors on paper.
The Main Ingredients
Let's break down the essential components:
- Paraffin Wax: This is the binding agent that gives the crayon its shape and consistency. It's a white, odorless solid refined from petroleum. Wax provides the medium that holds the pigment together and allows it to transfer smoothly onto surfaces when pressure is applied.
- Color Pigment: These are fine powders that provide the actual color. They are mixed with the paraffin wax during the manufacturing process.
The reference also notes: "The crayons vary slightly in weight due to the amount of color pigment added to make each color as well as the density of the powder pigment itself." This highlights that while the wax is the constant base, the varying amount and density of the pigments are what differentiate one color stick from another, slightly impacting its final weight.
Why These Ingredients?
This specific combination is chosen for its properties:
- Paraffin wax is readily available, non-toxic (in the form used for crayons), melts smoothly, and hardens firmly at room temperature, making it ideal for forming solid sticks that are easy to hold and use.
- Color pigments allow for a vast spectrum of hues to be created. The quality and amount of pigment directly impact the intensity and opacity of the color when applied.
Together, paraffin wax and color pigment create a durable, non-toxic, and effective art tool that has been a staple for generations.
