Stephanie Shepard, age 13, of Wilmington, Del., for her question:

HOW IS PARAFFIN MADE?

Paraffin is a white, partly clear waxy solid that has no odor or taste. It is made from a mixture of high boiling petroleum fractions, or products separated from petroleum. The fractions are chilled and pressed through a filter to remove heavy oil. The remaining solid material is paraffin wax.

Paraffin forms a moisture proof film and it is used to make waterproof cardboard containers, such as milk cartons. It is also the major ingredient in candles.

Ordinary paraffin wax melts at between 90 degrees and 150 degrees Fahrenheit.

Paraffin wax falls into the "mineral wax" classification of wax in general. The two other chief kinds of wax are animal and vegetable.