Crystal Palm Wax
Crystal Palm Wax
Crystal Palm Wax (Crystallising Palm Wax for Pillar and Votive Candles)
Crystal Palm Wax is a hard, plant-based palm wax that grows a natural crystal pattern across the surface of a pillar or votive candle as it sets. No two candles come out the same, which makes it a favourite for decorative candles, gifts and market stalls. It melts at about 60 °C, burns slowly and holds its shape well. You add your own fragrance oil, dye and wick.
For the best crystal effect, pour the wax hot at 90-95 °C into a clean metal mould. We supply it from Kaiapoi, Christchurch, in sizes from 1 kg up to 25 kg. Every order is backed by a Specifications sheet, Safety Data Sheet, Ingredient Statement and Candle Making Quick Guide, all linked in the Product Documents section below.
|
Natural crystal pattern Different on every candle |
Melts at about 60 °C Hard, holds its shape |
Fragrance up to 8% Of wax weight |
Pour 90-95 °C For the crystal finish |
Safety information: this wax is poured very hot. For full hazard, handling and safety information, please see the Safety Data Sheet in the Product Documents section below.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product | Crystal Palm Wax |
| Type | Crystallising palm wax for pillar and votive candles |
| Composition | Palm wax (vegetable wax derived from palm oil), 100%. No added fragrance or dye |
| Appearance | White to cream waxy solid, odourless |
| Melt Point | About 60 °C (140 °F) |
| Melting and Fragrance Step | Melt slowly to about 95 °C (203 °F). Take off the heat, add fragrance and stir gently, then pour straight away. Do not heat above 100 °C |
| Recommended Fragrance Load | Up to 8% of wax weight. Always test |
| Pour Temperature | 90-95 °C (194-203 °F) for the best crystal finish |
| Best Suited For | Pillar and votive candles, and sand candles. For jars, see our soy container waxes |
| Moulds | Metal (aluminium) moulds give the best crystal effect. Any mould must be rated for 95 °C |
| Wick Guidance | ECO wicks, sized to the pillar diameter, going up one size from a paraffin or soy wick. Always test (see the wick guide below) |
| Pack Sizes | 1 kg, 2 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg, 25 kg |
| Storage | Cool, dry place, sealed, away from heat and sunlight |
| Shelf Life | Typically 2 years when stored sealed, cool and dry |
| Use | Candle and wax melt making only. Not for food, cosmetic or topical use |
How to Make a Crystal Pillar Candle
- Prepare the mould. Use a clean, dry mould that is rated for 95 °C. Metal moulds give the best crystal effect. Thread the wick through, seal the wick hole, and pull the wick taut and centred with a metal wick holder or bar across the top.
- Weigh. Weigh the wax, then weigh fragrance oil at up to 8% of the wax weight. Many makers start lower and work up.
- Melt. Melt slowly in a double boiler or other controlled heat to about 95 °C. Do not go above 100 °C. Add candle dye now if you are using it and stir until dissolved. Never heat wax directly over a flame or leave it unattended.
- Add fragrance. Take the wax off the heat, add the fragrance and stir gently. Check the flash point of your fragrance oil first, as some are below these temperatures.
- Pour hot. Pour at 90-95 °C. Pour slowly and steadily, near the wick. The high pour temperature is what lets the crystal pattern develop on the outside of the candle.
- Let it set. Leave the mould undisturbed at room temperature, away from draughts. Do not chill it, as fast cooling reduces the crystals.
- Top up. Wax shrinks as it cools. If a dip forms around the wick, pour a small top-up of melted wax before the candle is fully cool. Large pillars may need two.
- Cool and release. Let the candle cool completely, often 12 to 24 hours. Release it gently from the mould, trim the wick to about 5 mm and wait 48 hours before a test burn.
Tip: always make a small test candle first. Every combination of mould, wick, fragrance and dye burns and crystallises a little differently.
What Is Crystal Palm Wax? ▼
Palm wax is a hard vegetable wax made from palm oil. Crystallising grades are made so that the different fats in the wax set at different rates. As the candle cools in the mould, they form a feathery crystal pattern on the outside surface, with a smooth, silky feel.
The pattern is strongest on pillar and votive candles, where the outside of the candle is formed against the mould wall. Pastel or bold colours make the crystals easier to see.
Good to know: palm wax is a plant-based wax, but palm oil sourcing matters to some customers. Ask us if you need sourcing details. Palm wax burns slowly, so wick up one size from what you would use for paraffin or soy.
Choosing the Right Wax ▼
| Candle type | Wax to use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Crystal pillar and votive candles | Crystal Palm Wax (this wax) | Pour at 90-95 °C into a metal mould for the best crystal pattern. |
| Smooth pillars and moulded candles | Paraffin Wax or Soy Wax (Pillar Blend) 58° | For a plain, smooth finish without crystals. The soy pillar blend is a plant-based option. |
| Wax melts | Crystal Palm Wax (this wax) or Natural Soy Wax Flakes 50°C | This wax melts at about 60 °C, so it suits warmers that run hot. The 50°C flakes release scent at a lower temperature. Pour into silicone moulds or clamshell packs. |
| Container candles in jars and tins | Golden Brands 464, Natural Soy Wax Flakes 50°C or Coco Soy Blended Wax | This wax can be used in a container, but the crystal pattern only shows on a free-standing candle. Soy container waxes grip the glass better. |
| Clear gel candles | Jelly Candle Wax (Gel) | A different wax for a different look. |
Uses & Project Ideas ▼
Crystal pillar candles
The classic use. Pour hot into a round or square metal mould and watch the pattern develop on the outside of the candle.
Votives
Small moulded candles for holders and events, with the same natural crystal finish.
Sand candles
Some makers crush the wax, shake it with colour and fragrance in a bag, then pour it into a glass around a wick. Test a small one first.
Decorative and seasonal candles
Pastel or bold colours show the crystals best. Try one colour per candle, or layer colours. Browse our candle moulds.
Wax melts
Pour into silicone moulds or clamshell packs for wax melts. Use the same melting steps as for candles, let the wax cool a little before pouring into plastic, and test a small batch first.
Gifts, markets and workshops
The crystal finish makes each candle look hand-made and different, which suits gifts, weddings and market stalls.
Fragrance, Colour & Additive Guide ▼
These are starting points, not fixed rules. Always test a small batch, and follow the safety information for each fragrance oil and dye you use.
| Add-in | Starting point | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fragrance oil | Up to 8% of wax weight | Use fragrance oil made for candles. The wax is poured hot, so check the flash point of your fragrance oil first. Add it off the heat and stir gently. Too much fragrance can sweat out of the candle. |
| Liquid candle dye | A few drops at a time | Add to the melted wax and stir until dissolved. Wax looks darker when liquid than when set. Pastel or bold colours show the crystals best. Browse our liquid candle dyes. |
| Dye chips | Follow the chip supplier's guidance | Add to the melted wax and stir until fully dissolved. Browse our candle dye chips. |
| Other additives | Test first | Anything not made for candles can affect the burn and the crystal pattern, so test a small candle before using it. |
Wick Guide ▼
Wick size is the most important choice in a candle. These are starting points only, as the right wick depends on your pillar diameter, fragrance and dye. Palm wax burns slowly, so makers often go up one size from what they would use for paraffin or soy. Always burn test, then adjust one size at a time.
| Item | Where to start | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ECO wicks | Match the wick to the pillar diameter: 45-70 mm, 75-90 mm or 90-105 mm, then go up one size if the flame is small | Woven from cotton and paper threads, which gives a stiff, easy-to-handle wick. Go up a size if the flame is small or the candle tunnels, down if the flame is large or sooty. |
| Wick holders and wick stickers | One per wick | Keeps the wick taut and centred while the wax sets. A centred wick burns evenly. |
| Wick trimmer | Before every burn | Trim to about 5 mm for a steady flame. |
Troubleshooting ▼
| Problem | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Few or no crystals | Wax poured too cool, mould too cold, or cooled too fast | Pour at 90-95 °C, use a clean metal mould at room temperature and let it set undisturbed away from draughts. |
| Candle sticks in the mould | Mould dirty or scratched, or candle not fully cool | Use a clean mould, let the candle cool completely and use a mould release made for candle moulds. |
| Dip or sunken top | Wax shrinks as it sets | Pour a small top-up of melted wax before the candle is fully cool. Large pillars may need two top-ups. |
| Cracks | Wax cooling too fast | Cool slowly, away from draughts and cold surfaces. |
| Air bubbles or pitting | Stirring hard or pouring too fast | Stir gently with a narrow spoon and pour slowly. |
| Discolouring | Wax overheated | Keep the wax below 100 °C and avoid copper or zinc pots. Stainless steel is best. |
| Fragrance sweats out of the candle | Too much fragrance | Reduce the fragrance load. |
| Small flame or tunnelling | Wick too small for a slow-burning wax | Try the next wick size up. |
| Large flame or soot | Wick too large or fragrance load too high | Try the next wick size down and trim to 5 mm. |
Sizes & Price per kg
| Size | Price | Price per kg |
|---|---|---|
| 1 kg | $13.50 | $13.50 |
| 2 kg | $25.00 | $12.50 |
| 5 kg | $59.50 | $11.90 |
| 10 kg | $110.00 | $11.00 |
| 25 kg | $250.00 | $10.00 |
Burn Safety & Selling Your Candles ▼
Never leave a burning candle unattended. Burn pillars on a heat-resistant plate, away from children, pets, draughts and anything flammable. Trim the wick to about 5 mm before each burn.
This wax is poured at 90-95 °C. Molten wax and the pots it is heated in can burn badly. Keep melting wax away from children and pets, never heat it over a direct flame, and do not heat it above 100 °C. Wear heat-resistant gloves, have a lid or damp cloth nearby for emergencies, and do not use water on a wax fire.
Selling your candles? Your labels should include safe-burning warnings and any hazard or allergen information required for the fragrance oil you use. Use the Ingredient Statement and Safety Data Sheet below together with the safety data for everything you add.
Frequently Asked Questions ▼
Is it suitable for pillar candles?
Yes. This wax is hard enough for pillar, votive and moulded candles, and it is best used for free-standing candles where the crystal pattern can develop.
Why isn't my candle crystallising?
The crystal effect needs a hot pour at 90-95 °C, a clean metal mould at room temperature and slow, undisturbed cooling. See the Troubleshooting section above.
Can I make wax melts with it?
Yes. Pour into silicone moulds or clamshell packs for wax melts. Use the same melting steps as for candles, let the wax cool a little before pouring into plastic, and test a small batch first. The wax melts at about 60 °C, so it suits warmers that run hot.
Can I make container candles with it?
It can be done, but the crystal pattern shows on the outside of a candle, so a jar hides it. For jars and tins, see Golden Brands 464, Natural Soy Wax Flakes 50°C or Coco Soy Blended Wax.
How much fragrance can I add?
Up to 8% of the wax weight. Many makers start lower. Always test your own fragrance.
What temperature should I melt and pour at?
Melt slowly to about 95 °C and keep it below 100 °C. Add fragrance off the heat, then pour at 90-95 °C.
Which wick should I use?
It depends on your pillar diameter. See the Wick Guide above for ECO wick starting points. Palm wax burns slowly, so you may need to go up one size. Always burn test.
Do I need a metal mould?
Metal moulds give the best crystal pattern. Any mould must be rated for a 95 °C pour.
What is the melting point?
About 60 °C.
Is it plant-based, vegan or RSPO certified?
Palm wax is made from palm oil, a plant source, but we have not independently verified vegan or sustainability claims. Ask us if you need sourcing details.
How should I store it?
Keep it sealed in a cool, dry place away from heat and sunlight.
Where is it made?
Ask us if you need origin information.
Pairs Well With
Pair this wax with fragrance oils for scent and a wick from our ECO wicks. Cast it in our candle moulds, hold the wick with wick holders or wick stickers, and add colour with liquid candle dyes or dye chips to show off the crystals. For a smooth finish, see Paraffin Wax or Soy Wax (Pillar Blend) 58°. For melts, see our wax melt clamshells, and finish candles with a wick trimmer. See all candle making accessories. |
Product Documents
|
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Crystal Palm Wax (Crystallising Palm Wax for Pillar and Votive Candles)
Crystal Palm Wax is a hard, plant-based palm wax that grows a natural crystal pattern across the surface of a pillar or votive candle as it sets. No two candles come out the same, which makes it a favourite for decorative candles, gifts and market stalls. It melts at about 60 °C, burns slowly and holds its shape well. You add your own fragrance oil, dye and wick.
For the best crystal effect, pour the wax hot at 90-95 °C into a clean metal mould. We supply it from Kaiapoi, Christchurch, in sizes from 1 kg up to 25 kg. Every order is backed by a Specifications sheet, Safety Data Sheet, Ingredient Statement and Candle Making Quick Guide, all linked in the Product Documents section below.
|
Natural crystal pattern Different on every candle |
Melts at about 60 °C Hard, holds its shape |
Fragrance up to 8% Of wax weight |
Pour 90-95 °C For the crystal finish |
Safety information: this wax is poured very hot. For full hazard, handling and safety information, please see the Safety Data Sheet in the Product Documents section below.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product | Crystal Palm Wax |
| Type | Crystallising palm wax for pillar and votive candles |
| Composition | Palm wax (vegetable wax derived from palm oil), 100%. No added fragrance or dye |
| Appearance | White to cream waxy solid, odourless |
| Melt Point | About 60 °C (140 °F) |
| Melting and Fragrance Step | Melt slowly to about 95 °C (203 °F). Take off the heat, add fragrance and stir gently, then pour straight away. Do not heat above 100 °C |
| Recommended Fragrance Load | Up to 8% of wax weight. Always test |
| Pour Temperature | 90-95 °C (194-203 °F) for the best crystal finish |
| Best Suited For | Pillar and votive candles, and sand candles. For jars, see our soy container waxes |
| Moulds | Metal (aluminium) moulds give the best crystal effect. Any mould must be rated for 95 °C |
| Wick Guidance | ECO wicks, sized to the pillar diameter, going up one size from a paraffin or soy wick. Always test (see the wick guide below) |
| Pack Sizes | 1 kg, 2 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg, 25 kg |
| Storage | Cool, dry place, sealed, away from heat and sunlight |
| Shelf Life | Typically 2 years when stored sealed, cool and dry |
| Use | Candle and wax melt making only. Not for food, cosmetic or topical use |
How to Make a Crystal Pillar Candle
- Prepare the mould. Use a clean, dry mould that is rated for 95 °C. Metal moulds give the best crystal effect. Thread the wick through, seal the wick hole, and pull the wick taut and centred with a metal wick holder or bar across the top.
- Weigh. Weigh the wax, then weigh fragrance oil at up to 8% of the wax weight. Many makers start lower and work up.
- Melt. Melt slowly in a double boiler or other controlled heat to about 95 °C. Do not go above 100 °C. Add candle dye now if you are using it and stir until dissolved. Never heat wax directly over a flame or leave it unattended.
- Add fragrance. Take the wax off the heat, add the fragrance and stir gently. Check the flash point of your fragrance oil first, as some are below these temperatures.
- Pour hot. Pour at 90-95 °C. Pour slowly and steadily, near the wick. The high pour temperature is what lets the crystal pattern develop on the outside of the candle.
- Let it set. Leave the mould undisturbed at room temperature, away from draughts. Do not chill it, as fast cooling reduces the crystals.
- Top up. Wax shrinks as it cools. If a dip forms around the wick, pour a small top-up of melted wax before the candle is fully cool. Large pillars may need two.
- Cool and release. Let the candle cool completely, often 12 to 24 hours. Release it gently from the mould, trim the wick to about 5 mm and wait 48 hours before a test burn.
Tip: always make a small test candle first. Every combination of mould, wick, fragrance and dye burns and crystallises a little differently.
What Is Crystal Palm Wax? ▼
Palm wax is a hard vegetable wax made from palm oil. Crystallising grades are made so that the different fats in the wax set at different rates. As the candle cools in the mould, they form a feathery crystal pattern on the outside surface, with a smooth, silky feel.
The pattern is strongest on pillar and votive candles, where the outside of the candle is formed against the mould wall. Pastel or bold colours make the crystals easier to see.
Good to know: palm wax is a plant-based wax, but palm oil sourcing matters to some customers. Ask us if you need sourcing details. Palm wax burns slowly, so wick up one size from what you would use for paraffin or soy.
Choosing the Right Wax ▼
| Candle type | Wax to use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Crystal pillar and votive candles | Crystal Palm Wax (this wax) | Pour at 90-95 °C into a metal mould for the best crystal pattern. |
| Smooth pillars and moulded candles | Paraffin Wax or Soy Wax (Pillar Blend) 58° | For a plain, smooth finish without crystals. The soy pillar blend is a plant-based option. |
| Wax melts | Crystal Palm Wax (this wax) or Natural Soy Wax Flakes 50°C | This wax melts at about 60 °C, so it suits warmers that run hot. The 50°C flakes release scent at a lower temperature. Pour into silicone moulds or clamshell packs. |
| Container candles in jars and tins | Golden Brands 464, Natural Soy Wax Flakes 50°C or Coco Soy Blended Wax | This wax can be used in a container, but the crystal pattern only shows on a free-standing candle. Soy container waxes grip the glass better. |
| Clear gel candles | Jelly Candle Wax (Gel) | A different wax for a different look. |
Uses & Project Ideas ▼
Crystal pillar candles
The classic use. Pour hot into a round or square metal mould and watch the pattern develop on the outside of the candle.
Votives
Small moulded candles for holders and events, with the same natural crystal finish.
Sand candles
Some makers crush the wax, shake it with colour and fragrance in a bag, then pour it into a glass around a wick. Test a small one first.
Decorative and seasonal candles
Pastel or bold colours show the crystals best. Try one colour per candle, or layer colours. Browse our candle moulds.
Wax melts
Pour into silicone moulds or clamshell packs for wax melts. Use the same melting steps as for candles, let the wax cool a little before pouring into plastic, and test a small batch first.
Gifts, markets and workshops
The crystal finish makes each candle look hand-made and different, which suits gifts, weddings and market stalls.
Fragrance, Colour & Additive Guide ▼
These are starting points, not fixed rules. Always test a small batch, and follow the safety information for each fragrance oil and dye you use.
| Add-in | Starting point | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fragrance oil | Up to 8% of wax weight | Use fragrance oil made for candles. The wax is poured hot, so check the flash point of your fragrance oil first. Add it off the heat and stir gently. Too much fragrance can sweat out of the candle. |
| Liquid candle dye | A few drops at a time | Add to the melted wax and stir until dissolved. Wax looks darker when liquid than when set. Pastel or bold colours show the crystals best. Browse our liquid candle dyes. |
| Dye chips | Follow the chip supplier's guidance | Add to the melted wax and stir until fully dissolved. Browse our candle dye chips. |
| Other additives | Test first | Anything not made for candles can affect the burn and the crystal pattern, so test a small candle before using it. |
Wick Guide ▼
Wick size is the most important choice in a candle. These are starting points only, as the right wick depends on your pillar diameter, fragrance and dye. Palm wax burns slowly, so makers often go up one size from what they would use for paraffin or soy. Always burn test, then adjust one size at a time.
| Item | Where to start | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ECO wicks | Match the wick to the pillar diameter: 45-70 mm, 75-90 mm or 90-105 mm, then go up one size if the flame is small | Woven from cotton and paper threads, which gives a stiff, easy-to-handle wick. Go up a size if the flame is small or the candle tunnels, down if the flame is large or sooty. |
| Wick holders and wick stickers | One per wick | Keeps the wick taut and centred while the wax sets. A centred wick burns evenly. |
| Wick trimmer | Before every burn | Trim to about 5 mm for a steady flame. |
Troubleshooting ▼
| Problem | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Few or no crystals | Wax poured too cool, mould too cold, or cooled too fast | Pour at 90-95 °C, use a clean metal mould at room temperature and let it set undisturbed away from draughts. |
| Candle sticks in the mould | Mould dirty or scratched, or candle not fully cool | Use a clean mould, let the candle cool completely and use a mould release made for candle moulds. |
| Dip or sunken top | Wax shrinks as it sets | Pour a small top-up of melted wax before the candle is fully cool. Large pillars may need two top-ups. |
| Cracks | Wax cooling too fast | Cool slowly, away from draughts and cold surfaces. |
| Air bubbles or pitting | Stirring hard or pouring too fast | Stir gently with a narrow spoon and pour slowly. |
| Discolouring | Wax overheated | Keep the wax below 100 °C and avoid copper or zinc pots. Stainless steel is best. |
| Fragrance sweats out of the candle | Too much fragrance | Reduce the fragrance load. |
| Small flame or tunnelling | Wick too small for a slow-burning wax | Try the next wick size up. |
| Large flame or soot | Wick too large or fragrance load too high | Try the next wick size down and trim to 5 mm. |
Sizes & Price per kg
| Size | Price | Price per kg |
|---|---|---|
| 1 kg | $13.50 | $13.50 |
| 2 kg | $25.00 | $12.50 |
| 5 kg | $59.50 | $11.90 |
| 10 kg | $110.00 | $11.00 |
| 25 kg | $250.00 | $10.00 |
Burn Safety & Selling Your Candles ▼
Never leave a burning candle unattended. Burn pillars on a heat-resistant plate, away from children, pets, draughts and anything flammable. Trim the wick to about 5 mm before each burn.
This wax is poured at 90-95 °C. Molten wax and the pots it is heated in can burn badly. Keep melting wax away from children and pets, never heat it over a direct flame, and do not heat it above 100 °C. Wear heat-resistant gloves, have a lid or damp cloth nearby for emergencies, and do not use water on a wax fire.
Selling your candles? Your labels should include safe-burning warnings and any hazard or allergen information required for the fragrance oil you use. Use the Ingredient Statement and Safety Data Sheet below together with the safety data for everything you add.
Frequently Asked Questions ▼
Is it suitable for pillar candles?
Yes. This wax is hard enough for pillar, votive and moulded candles, and it is best used for free-standing candles where the crystal pattern can develop.
Why isn't my candle crystallising?
The crystal effect needs a hot pour at 90-95 °C, a clean metal mould at room temperature and slow, undisturbed cooling. See the Troubleshooting section above.
Can I make wax melts with it?
Yes. Pour into silicone moulds or clamshell packs for wax melts. Use the same melting steps as for candles, let the wax cool a little before pouring into plastic, and test a small batch first. The wax melts at about 60 °C, so it suits warmers that run hot.
Can I make container candles with it?
It can be done, but the crystal pattern shows on the outside of a candle, so a jar hides it. For jars and tins, see Golden Brands 464, Natural Soy Wax Flakes 50°C or Coco Soy Blended Wax.
How much fragrance can I add?
Up to 8% of the wax weight. Many makers start lower. Always test your own fragrance.
What temperature should I melt and pour at?
Melt slowly to about 95 °C and keep it below 100 °C. Add fragrance off the heat, then pour at 90-95 °C.
Which wick should I use?
It depends on your pillar diameter. See the Wick Guide above for ECO wick starting points. Palm wax burns slowly, so you may need to go up one size. Always burn test.
Do I need a metal mould?
Metal moulds give the best crystal pattern. Any mould must be rated for a 95 °C pour.
What is the melting point?
About 60 °C.
Is it plant-based, vegan or RSPO certified?
Palm wax is made from palm oil, a plant source, but we have not independently verified vegan or sustainability claims. Ask us if you need sourcing details.
How should I store it?
Keep it sealed in a cool, dry place away from heat and sunlight.
Where is it made?
Ask us if you need origin information.
Pairs Well With
Pair this wax with fragrance oils for scent and a wick from our ECO wicks. Cast it in our candle moulds, hold the wick with wick holders or wick stickers, and add colour with liquid candle dyes or dye chips to show off the crystals. For a smooth finish, see Paraffin Wax or Soy Wax (Pillar Blend) 58°. For melts, see our wax melt clamshells, and finish candles with a wick trimmer. See all candle making accessories. |
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Product Documents
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