26 Facts About Crayons

The Origin of Crayons

Crayons have been a staple in art and education for generations. Here are some fascinating facts about their origins.

1. 01Crayons date back to ancient Egypt. Egyptians used a form of wax-based paint to decorate tombs and temples.
2. 02The word "crayon" comes from the French word "craie." "Craie" means chalk, and "crayon" means pencil.
3. 03Crayola, the most famous crayon brand, was founded in 1885. Edwin Binney and C. Harold Smith started the company.
4. 04The first box of Crayola crayons was sold in 1903. It contained eight colors and cost just a nickel.

Crayon Composition

Understanding what crayons are made of can be quite intriguing. Let's look at their composition.

5. 05Crayons are primarily made of paraffin wax. This wax is melted and mixed with color pigments.
6. 06Some crayons use beeswax instead of paraffin. Beeswax crayons are often marketed as a natural alternative.
7. 07Pigments in crayons are what give them their color. These pigments can be natural or synthetic.
8. 08Crayons also contain a small amount of hardening agents. These agents help the crayon maintain its shape.

Crayon Colors

The variety of crayon colors available today is astounding. Here are some interesting facts about crayon colors.

9. 09The original Crayola box had only eight colors. These were black, brown, blue, red, purple, orange, yellow, and green.
10. 10Crayola now offers 120 different colors. This includes shades like "Jazzberry Jam" and "Fuzzy Wuzzy Brown."
11. 11The color "Dandelion" was retired in 2017. It was replaced by a new shade of blue called "Bluetiful."
12. 12Crayola has a color called "Macaroni and Cheese." It was introduced in 1993.

Crayon Usage

Crayons are not just for kids. They have various uses that might surprise you.

13. 13Artists use crayons for professional artwork. Some artists specialize in crayon art, creating stunning pieces.
14. 14Crayons can be used to make candles. Melted crayons can be poured into molds to create colorful candles.
15. 15Crayons are used in fabric art. They can be melted and applied to fabric for unique designs.
16. 16Crayons can be used to fill in scratches on furniture. Simply rub the crayon over the scratch and buff it out.

Crayon Fun Facts

Here are some fun and quirky facts about crayons that you might not know.

17. 17The largest crayon in the world weighs 1,500 pounds. It was made by Crayola and is blue.
18. 18Crayola produces nearly 3 billion crayons each year. That's enough to circle the globe six times.
19. 19The average child wears down 730 crayons by age 10. That's a lot of coloring!
20. 20Crayons have a distinct smell. This smell is so recognizable that it is one of the 20 most recognizable scents to American adults.

Crayon Collecting

Believe it or not, crayon collecting is a popular hobby. Here are some facts about this unique pastime.

21. 21There is a Crayola Crayon Collectors Club. Members share their collections and trade rare crayons.
22. 22Some crayons are worth a lot of money. Rare and discontinued colors can fetch high prices among collectors.
23. 23Crayola has produced limited edition crayons. These are often highly sought after by collectors.
24. 24Crayon wrappers can be collectible too. Changes in design over the years make some wrappers rare.

Crayon Innovations

Crayons have come a long way since their inception. Here are some innovations in the world of crayons.

25. 25Crayola has introduced washable crayons. These crayons are designed to wash off walls and other surfaces easily.
26. 26There are now twistable crayons. These crayons don't need sharpening; you just twist the bottom to extend the crayon.

Crayons: More Than Just Coloring Tools

Crayons aren't just for kids. These colorful sticks have a rich history and surprising uses. From their invention in the early 20th century to their role in art therapy, crayons have left a mark on our culture. Did you know the smell of crayons is one of the most recognizable scents? Or that crayons have been to space? They’re not just for coloring books; artists use them for serious artwork, and teachers use them to help kids learn. Crayons can even be melted down to create new art forms. Next time you pick up a crayon, remember it’s more than just a simple tool. It’s a piece of history, a therapeutic aid, and a versatile medium for creativity. So, grab a crayon and let your imagination run wild!