after being written to via the website – http://www.binney-smith.com/brands/

Dear Crayola Consumer,

Thank you for your e-mail. In response to your question, “How do crayons work?”, it is the nature of the materials at room temperature. The paraffin wax and stearic acid are susceptible to being transferred to a substrate when pressure is applied and the crayon is moved over the substrate. Friction and the heat produced play a small role, but the crayon would probably still lay down material without friction heat because of the physical nature (its relative softness) of the crayon base at room temperature.

If you have any further questions, please call (800) 272-9652 weekdays between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM Eastern Time and a representative will be happy to assist you.

Thank you for your interest in Binney & Smith and Crayola products.