Abstract: A wax isomerization catalyst is described which comprises a Group VIII hydrogenation metal component on fluorided alumina or material containing alumina which catalyst possesses a surface nitrogen content N/Al ratio of about 0.01 or less determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, a bulk fluorine content of between about 2 to 10 wt %, a surface fluorine content defined as the amount of fluorine in a layer extending from the outer surface to a depth of about 1/100 of an inch of less than about 3 wt % provided that the surface fluoride concentration is less than the bulk fluoride concentration and an aluminum fluoride hydroxide hydrate peak height of 60 or less determined as the relative amount of hydrate represented by a peak in the X-ray diffraction pattern at 2.theta.=5.66 .ANG. when a hydrate level of 100 corresponds to the XRD peak height exhibited by a standard material.