Mineral Spirits Residue (Wax?)

[Ole South]

I keep a tightly closed jar of mineral spirits on my wood bench for quick cleanups, after a while a white waxy residue settles/forms at the bottom. I usually scrape it into a container and recycle with other volatiles but I was wondering if it has any uses?

I've done a web search but don't find references. It forms regardless of "Odorless" or non-Odorless type spirits. I haven't done any experimenting with it yet but was wondering if anyone had any ideas or knowledge of this stuff.

Thanks

[Guitarist762]

Does it mix back in? Or does it form like a paste and is thicker then the spirits? Never seen this before, but maybe it's reacting with air or something on the rags you use to apply it.

[Art]

One of the primary causes of "strange stuff" appearing in a lot of solvents is the trapping of water laden air over top of the solvent. There can be all sorts of reactions take place especially when the solvent reaches the maximum amount of water it can hold. This can be exacerbated by raising the temperature of the solvent.

In the alcohol industry, it was often called a "mother", although that was a long time ago as I remember. Industry is better today at keeping something inert over the solvent, they will use whatever gas is the cheapest that won't react with the solvent or carry water or something worse.

Art

[Ole South]

Doesn't mix back in just sits there under a layer of mineral spirits. About the consistency and color of refrigerated bacon grease. I've got about 10oz under an inch or so of spirit currently. It is quite humid here but jar never sits open long. I'll work some into a piece of scrap pine and some veg tan to see what happens.

I've always experienced evaporation but this is equal volume or expanding. Been happening for last 2-3years. Maybe just HD brand dunno.