Paraffin wax is a white or colorless soft solid derivable from petroleum, coal or oil shale, that consists of a mixture of hydrocarbon molecules containing between twenty and forty carbon atoms. It is solid at room temperature and begins to melt above approximately 37°C (99°F); its boiling point is >370 °C (698 °F). Common applications for paraffin wax include lubrication, electrical insulation, and candles. It is distinct from kerosene, another petroleum product that is sometimes called paraffin. Paraffin wax from a solvent dewaxing operation is commonly known as slack wax, and the processes used for the production of waxes are aimed at de-oiling the slack wax (petroleum wax concentrate). Wax sweating was originally used to separate wax fractions with various melting points from the wax obtained from shale oils. Wax sweating is still used to some extent but is being replaced by the more convenient crystallization process. Chemically, paraffin wax is a mixture of saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons (with the general formula CnH2n+2).Wax is the residue extracted when lubricant oils are dewaxed and it has a crystalline structure with a carbon number greater than 12.The main characteristics of wax are (1) absence of color, (2) absence of odor, (3) translucence, and (4) a melting point above 45°C (113°F). Uses • Candle-making • Coatings for waxed paper or cloth • Food-grade paraffin wax: • Shiny coating used in candy-making; although edible, it is nondigestible, passing right through the body without being broken down • Coating for many kinds of hard cheese, like Edam cheese • Sealant for jars, cans, and bottles • Chewing gum additive • Anti-caking agent, moisture repellent, and dust binding coatings for fertilizers • Used in Forensic investigations Wax consumption has been projected to grow at an average annual rate of greater than 2 percent from 2010 to 2020. Waxes are used in a variety of products, including packaging, coatings, personal care products and of course, candles. Waxes can also be further processed into synthetic lubricants. Overall wax demands are largest for board sizing and candles . Combined these two products account for about 44 percent of the demand. Thus, due to demand it is a good project for entrepreneurs to invest. Few Indian Major Players are as under • Chennai Petroleum Corpn. Ltd. • Mahalaxmi Dyes & Chemicals Ltd.