The teacher explained that sugar is a fuel and suggested that we try to ignite it with a lit match. Try as we might it wouldn’t take a flame. He explained that the composition of the sugar required a higher temperature than a match could provide. He then rubbed some ashes (carbon) on the sides and voilà! it took a flame and burned. He explained that the carbon acted as a catalyst to raise the heat to reach the ignition point of the sugar cube.

We experience the catalyst properties of carbon all the time in firecraft.
We usually refer to this material as “char” which is partially burned or carbonized cellulose. We carbonize cotton swatches by pyrolysis when they are cooked in a can void of oxygen to prevent ignition. We produce nearly black “char” powder when we perform fire-by-friction that when exposed to increased heat produces a coal. Carbon ashes can also be added to fine cellulose to capture weak sparks produced by the flint and pyrite/marcacite fire method.

Another benefit of charred material is that it is dark and thus absorbs heat. This is particularly effective when performing solar firecraft (see “ICEE” Lid Fire Method). Carbon is the stepping stone to fire.

I have found that charcoal is also instrumental in the ignition of a campfire. In lieu of using an accelerant, saving bits of charcoal for use in the building of a campfire helps to capture the ignition source and speeds the transition to larger pieces of fuel sized material.

The more you practice firecraft, the more you understand the importance that carbon plays is creating fire.

It was a rainy day so they had to use an umbrella to keep the tinder dry and they decided to run the engine to support their battery during the pencil heating process. The time from clamping the pencil to producing a flame took less than 1 1/2 minutes. They transported the initial flame over to the campfire ring where they proceeded to build their campfire for the day.

I am proud of their achievement and was delighted that they captured it by video using a cell phone for our enjoyment. Click on the photo to watch the video… it’s amazing!

The thing that struck me about this candle is it’s generous size and that it comes in a self-contained glass fixture. The wax is poured into a tall glass jar which is in effect a protective chimney. The volume of wax fills the cylinder measuring 6″ tall by 2″ diameter. I picked one up and headed for the checkout counter. When I got home I decided to light it up and record it’s rate of consumption. After 12 hours it had consumed about 1 1/8″ of wax. That equates to over 48 hours worth of burn time for the entire candle.

One advantage of candles is that the melted wax is quite small in volume so if it is accidentally spilled it is limited. In contrast, a liquid fuel such as oil or spirits can spread fast and wide if it spills and can be quite uncontrollable. It is advisable to place the prayer candle on a heat pad or some type of heat buffer so that when the flame burns down close to the bottom it will not damage the underlying surface.

Unlike liquid fuels, it won’t evaporate during storage. When kept in a moderate or cool storage area their shelf life is virtually unlimited. When not in use, protect the wicks from moisture. The wax is stable but the wick can be difficult to light if it becomes wet. Fortunately the wicks on new candles are generally well coated as a result of the manufacturing process.

Perhaps the best benefit of these candles is that whatever situation that you find yourself in, it’s a good reminder that prayer is always a good thing to do.