Microcrystalline wax is a synthetic wax derived from the petroleum industry. It has smaller crystal structure than beeswax or paraffin. Microcrystalline wax is:
– light yellow colored
– medium-soft
– pliable and slightly sticky
– more viscous than paraffin

By itself, microcrystalline wax is the most common wax used by sculptors. However, microcrystalline waxes are excellent materials for modifying the crystalline properties of paraffin wax. This is useful when some desired functional changes in the paraffin are needed, such as flexibility, higher melt point, and increasead opacity.

Refineries may use blending facilities to combine paraffin and microcrystalline waxes, which are often used in industries such as tire and rubber, candles, adhesives, corrugated board, cosmetics, castings, and others.