Question

What is lac? Enlist economic importance of Lac.

Hint:

Think of lac as "insect armor" that humans have found countless uses for, from making furniture shiny to glazing candies and insulating electrical wires.

Answer 1

Lac is a natural, resinous substance secreted by a tiny scale insect, \textit{Kerria lacca} (or \textit{Laccifer lacca}). The insect produces this resin as a protective coating around itself on the twigs of specific host trees (like Ber, Palas, and Kusum). The twigs covered with this encrustation are known as sticklac, which is the raw material harvested. Economic Importance of Lac: Lac is a versatile product with numerous commercial applications, primarily after being processed into shellac.

Varnishes and Polishes: Shellac is used to make high-quality varnishes and polishes for furniture and musical instruments, providing a durable and glossy finish.
Food Industry: Food-grade shellac is used as a glazing agent on candies, pills, apples, and coffee beans to make them shiny and increase their shelf life.
Electrical Industry: Due to its excellent insulating properties, it is used as an insulator in electrical components and cables.
Adhesives and Cements: It is a key ingredient in manufacturing sealing wax and special cements used for fixing lenses and mirrors in optical instruments.
Cosmetics Industry: It is used in products like nail polishes, hair sprays, and mascara.
Printing and Inks: It is used in making printing inks, lithographic ink, and for waterproofing.
Lac Dye: Historically, a scarlet dye extracted during the washing of sticklac was a valuable product for dyeing textiles like silk and wool.