The differences between paraffin and microcrystalline are summarized in the table below. The distinct properties make each product suitable for special applications.
Property	Microcrystalline Waxes	Paraffin Waxes
Odor	Odorless	Odorless
Color	Light Brown, Yellow, White	White
Texture or "Feel"	Adhesive	Slick and Glossy
Melting Point	Higher Melting Point 54-95 C	Lower Melting Point 48 to 70 C
Opacity	Opaque	Translucent
Tensile Strength	Plastic and Malleable	Brittle
Crystalline structure	Monoclinic crystals	Amorphous
Alkane CH4 structure	Branched	Straight Chain

 

Main IRM page for Microcrystalline Waxes