mehiläisvahas

Mehiläisvahas, also known as beeswax, is a natural wax produced by honey bees of the genus Apis. Bees secrete mehiläisvahas from special glands on their abdomens, which they then use to construct the honeycomb. The wax is harvested from the combs after the honey has been removed.

Mehiläisvahas is a complex mixture, primarily composed of esters of fatty acids and various long-chain alcohols. Its color ranges from pale yellow to dark brown, depending on the purity and the specific floral sources used by the bees. It has a characteristic honey-like aroma.

Historically, mehiläisvahas has been used for a wide variety of purposes. It has been employed in cosmetics and personal care products, such as lip balms, lotions, and candles, due to its emollient and preservative properties. It is also used in the production of polishes for wood and leather, and as a waterproofing agent. In art, it has found applications in encaustic painting and for creating sculptures.

The chemical properties of mehiläisvahas, including its melting point and plasticity, make it a versatile material. It is insoluble in water but soluble in certain organic solvents. While generally considered safe, some individuals may experience allergic reactions. The production of mehiläisvahas is an integral part of beekeeping and the honey industry.