Microcrystalline wax, also known as petroleum wax, is a type of wax that is produced from the refining of crude oil. It is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and possesses unique properties that make it an excellent material for various applications. Microcrystalline wax is different from other waxes because of its chemical composition. It contains a higher percentage of branched and cyclic hydrocarbons, compared to straight-chain hydrocarbons found in other waxes such as beeswax or paraffin wax. These structural differences translate into distinctive physical properties, such as hardness, flexibility, and viscosity.