Chinese wax, insect wax (Chinese: 蟲蠟), whitewax or pela (Chinese: 白蠟), is a white to yellowish-white, gelatinous, crystalline water-insoluble substance obtained from the wax secreted by certain insects. It may be used for the production candles and polishes, and for the sizing of paper. It resembles spermaceti but is harder, more friable, and with a higher melting point.[1]