For thousands of years, candles have illuminated our lives. Their soft, flickering light has something magical about it. It calms us, creates a cozy atmosphere, and allows us to relax. But have you ever wondered how hot such a small candle flame actually is? Let’s dive together into the fascinating world of candles and find out how hot a candle can really get!
The Heat of the Candle Flame: A Look Inside
A candle flame is like a small work of art. It consists of different zones, each with its own temperature. From the outside to the inside, we can distinguish three main areas:
- The outer, barely visible shell
- The luminous, yellow main part
- The mysterious bluish core
Heat Zones: How Hot is a Candle in Different Areas?
- The outer zone feels quite hot at 600-800°C.
- The yellow, luminous part reaches an impressive 1000-1200°C.
- But the top performer is the inner, bluish core with up to 1400°C!
Surprising, isn’t it? The brightest part of the flame isn’t the hottest. The heat record is set in the almost invisible blue core directly above the wick.
Candle Curiosities: Did You Know…?
The oldest candles we know of come from ancient Egypt. They are over 5000 years old!
In the Middle Ages, candles were often made from spermaceti. This is a wax obtained from the head of sperm whales. Fortunately, we don’t do that anymore today!
Astonishing Facts
- Imagine this: In the weightlessness of space, a candle flame is spherical!
- The most enduring candle in the world burned for a whole 115 days and 5 hours. Now that’s what I call perseverance!
- Did you know that beeswax candles release negative ions when burning? These can even improve air quality. Cool, right?
The Science Behind the Glow
Now it gets a bit scientific, but don’t worry, we’ll keep it simple! The melted wax is drawn up by the wick like a straw. There it evaporates and mixes with the oxygen in the air. Energy is released in the form of heat and light during this reaction. Voilà – our flame is born!
Candles Through the Ages
Although we have electric light today, candles are more popular than ever. Why? Well, their warm light creates an atmosphere that no LED lamp can replace. They are symbols of coziness, romance, and special moments. From birthday cakes to romantic dinners – candles make every occasion something special.
The Future Burns Green: Sustainable Candles Using the Example of Lumond
In times of climate change, we’re thinking more and more about sustainability, even when it comes to candles. An exciting example of this are the candles from Lumond. This company from Germany is dedicated to the idea of making candles not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly.
Lumond uses soy wax for their candles. This is a great alternative to conventional paraffin, as soy is a renewable resource. The candles come in pretty containers that can do more than just look good. After the candle has burned down, you can simply turn it into a small plant pot. This way, you save resources and have a chic decorative element for your home at the same time!
But Lumond goes a step further: In each candle, you’ll find seed paper. That’s a brilliant idea! When your candle has burned out, you can use this paper to sow plants in your new “pot”. This way, your candle turns into a small garden in no time. This is not only great for the environment but also really fun!
Conclusion: The Eternal Glow
From the fascinating heat of the flame to modern, sustainable concepts – candles still have a lot to offer us even after thousands of years. They are more than just light sources. They are mood setters, decorative elements, and can even contribute to environmental protection.
Whether you’re interested in the science behind the flame or simply want to enjoy the cozy atmosphere – candles have something to offer for everyone. So, the next time you light a candle, remember: There’s a whole world of fascination in this small flame!
