What is "ceresin"

Ceresin \Cer"e*sin\, n. [L. cera wax.] (Chem.) A white wax, made by bleaching and purifying ozocerite, and used as a substitute for beeswax. [1913 Webster] ||

n. A refined form of ozocerite that is used in polishes and to make candles

n. a white wax extracted from ozokerite

Ceresin (also cerin, cerasin, cerosin, ceresin wax or ceresine) is a wax derived from ozokerite by a purifying process.

The purifying process of the ozokerite commonly comprises a treatment with heat and sulfuric acid, but other processes are also in use.

Uses include:

• An alternative to beeswax in ointments
• (Historic) Laboratory-supply bottles for small amounts of hydrofluoric acid, which were made of ceresin wax; this was before polyethylene became commonplace.