crayons

Crayons are colorizing tools composed of pigment dispersed in a wax binder and formed into short sticks. They are designed for drawing on paper and other porous surfaces, and are widely used in schools, homes, and studios. Their simple design and broad color range make them a popular entry point for young artists and a flexible medium for everyday coloring.

Most common are wax-based crayons. The pigments provide color, while the wax binder allows the pigment to be transferred to a surface with hand pressure. Many crayons are marketed as non-toxic and meet safety standards for children's products. Variants include water-soluble crayons, which release color when moistened with water or a brush; scented crayons; and specialty forms with metallic or glitter effects. Oil pastels are a related medium but differ in composition and handling.

History and development: Crayons date from the 19th century, but the modern paraffin-wax crayon gained popularity in the 20th century. The Crayola brand, introduced in 1903 by Binney & Smith, helped standardize color sets and broaden access to crayons in schools and homes, contributing to their ubiquity.

Manufacture and safety: The typical composition uses paraffin wax or another wax and finely milled pigments. Crayons are usually sold with paper labels or sleeves. Safety considerations emphasize non-toxicity and appropriate age recommendations, as well as choking hazard warnings for small parts. Environmental concerns include the petroleum-based wax and pigment production; some manufacturers offer recycled packaging or alternative formulations.

See also: oil pastels, colored pencils, and watercolor crayons.