Chapter 1
From petroleum to paste
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Chapter 2
Nature's ancient paintbox
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Chapter 3
The science of synthetic shades
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Chapter 4
How crayons conquered the classroom
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YOUR GOAL
Master of The secret life of crayons
Ch 1 · From petroleum to paste
streetspirit Beef fat is the secret to a crayon's smooth glide and nostalgic smell.
streetspirit I never realized crayons start as dry powder stirred into hot, liquid wax.
Quiz
Why are crayons manufactured with a double layer of paper wrapped around them instead of just a single layer?
Fun Fact
Crayon smell: The iconic scent of Crayola crayons comes from stearic acid, a beef-tallow derivative added to make the wax glide smoothly.
Glossary
paraffin (noun)
A waxy, flammable solid mixture of hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum and used especially in candles. In 1903, Binney and Smith first used this oil-derived substance to manufacture their iconic children's crayons.
A waxy, flammable solid mixture of hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum and used especially in candles. In 1903, Binney and Smith first used this oil-derived substance to manufacture their iconic children's crayons.
Quiz
At what temperature is paraffin wax heated before pigments are added in a crayon factory?
Quiz
What ingredient is added to crayons to give them a smooth glide and their iconic smell?