Information About Beeswax
Beeswax is a substance that many of us take for granted, and when we light a beeswax candle, we probably do not stop to think about this ancient natural substance. However, this renewable resource has been prized by people around the world since the beginning of civilization for its many uses, including medicine, art, food preservation, weaponry and shipbuilding. Although its purposes have changed, it is still as important in today's culture as it was in days of old.
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History
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Beeswax was so highly prized that it was used as currency by the ancient Romans, and it was more important to ancient people than actual honey. It was so prominent that it played a major role in mythology, including the story of Icarus, whose beeswax wings melted when he flew too close to the sun. Beeswax has been found in shipwrecks around the world, in the tombs of the pharaohs and in primitive caves in France.
Chemistry
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Beeswax has a complicated chemical makeup but is basically composed of hydrogen, carbon and oxygen. Beeswax remains solid at room temperature, but in warmer temperatures it will develop a thick, pasty consistency. At about 149 degrees Fahrenheit, it will begin to discolor and melt, and at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, it will burn. It never mildews, it does not deteriorate over time, and beeswax found in ancient shipwrecks is unchanged despite the passage of time.
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The Hive
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Beeswax is eaten by worker bees. It is then secreted by the glands on the abdomen of the bees, which use it to build honeycombs where pollen and honey are stored and where young bees are raised. Initially the beeswax is white, but it yellows and becomes progressively darker with the incorporation of pollen into the wax. According to Absolute Astronomy, it is estimated that bees must fly approximately 150,000 miles to produce 1 lb. of beeswax, and they have to eat at least 8 to 10 lb. of honey to produce 1 lb. of beeswax.
Uses in Art
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In ancient times, beeswax was used as a mold for artwork, such as sculptures and jewelry. After a beeswax mold was carved, it was covered with clay and fired in a kiln, and molten metal was then poured into the clay mold. Similar techniques are still in use by sculptors today. Beeswax was also added to paint to give the pigment a more vibrant color.
Uses in Woodworking
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Beeswax was used as a wood preservative, sealant and waterproofing agent in shipbuilding and furniture construction. It was also used as a lubricant to coat nails so they would penetrate wood more easily. It is still used as a wood finish, often mixed with linseed oil or turpentine. Because it is safe to use with food products, pure beeswax is used to seal butcher blocks and wooden salad bowls.
Other Uses
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Beeswax has been used over the centuries in thousands of ways. It has been used as an adhesive and as pages in ancient writing tablets. It is used in the construction of billiard tables and accordions and to waterproof leather. It is the preferred substance for candles in many churches because of its nondripping qualities. Beeswax is used to seal and preserve cheese, jellies and jams. It is used in cosmetics, dentistry and embalming.
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