Chinese wax
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Chinese wax is a white to yellowish-white, gelatinous, crystalline water-insoluble substance obtained from the wax secreted by certain insects.
It resembles spermaceti but is harder, more friable, and with a higher melting point. It is deposited on the branches of certain trees by the scale insect Ceroplastes ceriferus, common in China and India, or a related scale insect, Ericerus pela, of China and Japan. The insects and their secretions are harvested and boiled with water to obtain the wax.
[edit] Uses
Chinese wax is used chiefly in the manufacture of polishes, sizes, and candles.
[edit] Other names
Chinese tree wax, insect wax, Chinese insect wax
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