Natural Abalone Shell (4-5 inches)

Same Haliotis genus and same nacre composition as the 5–6 inch and 6–7 inch sizes - distinguished only by scale. The Pacific Mexico fishery is the supplier's confirmed origin for the medium size and the presumed origin for this size pending explicit confirmation. The small size suits individual use: shorter bundles, single palo santo sticks, smaller burns where additional ash space isn't needed.

1. Place the shell on a heat-safe surface with the iridescent interior facing up.
2. The shell catches ash and embers from burning bundles or palo santo sticks.
3. Wipe the interior with a soft, dry cloth after use to remove ash and residue.
4. Avoid contact with harsh chemicals - the shell's iridescence depends on its untreated surface.
5. Store in a dry, safe place to prevent chipping.

Important: do not burn resin or charcoal in the shell. Charcoal discs reach temperatures far above what the shell's calcium carbonate composition can safely withstand. The shell is designed for bundles, sticks, and other smouldering materials only.

• Genus: Haliotis
• Common name: Abalone · oreja de mar (Spanish)
• Origin: Mexico (presumed - to confirm)
• Size: 4–5 inches across (approximately 10–13 cm)
• Shape: Oval with organic variances
• Interior: Nacre · mother-of-pearl
• Exterior: Calcium carbonate · natural ridged texture
• Colour palette: Oceanic - blues, greens, purples
• Suitable for: Bundles · palo santo sticks · herb materials
• Not suitable for: Resin or charcoal (high heat damages shell)
• Care: Dry cloth · avoid chemicals · store dry

Nacre - the iridescent material lining abalone shells - is the same biological substance that forms pearls. A pearl is nacre layered around an irritant inside the mollusk; an abalone shell is nacre layered along the inside of the protective housing. The pearl traditions of the Arabian Gulf and the iridescent abalone shells of the Pacific coast are made of the same compound, deposited in different geometries by different mollusk species over years of slow accumulation.