Natural Abalone Shell (6 - 7 inches)

Same Haliotis genus and same nacre composition as the 4–5 inch and 5–6 inch sizes, in the largest hand-collected scale. The 6–7 inch shells reach the upper end of what the mollusk grows in typical conditions; finding shells consistently at this size requires longer collection cycles. Pacific Mexico is the supplier's confirmed origin for the medium size and the presumed origin for this size pending explicit confirmation. Suited to larger bundles, multi-stick palo santo configurations, and burns where additional ash space is useful.

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: 6–7 inches across (approximately 15–18 cm)
• Shape: Oval with organic variances
• Interior: Nacre · mother-of-pearl
• Exterior: Calcium carbonate · natural ridged texture
• Colour palette: Oceanic - blues, greens, purples (deepest colour-shift in the range)
• Suitable for: Larger bundles · multi-stick configurations · herb materials
• Not suitable for: Resin or charcoal (high heat damages shell)
• Care: Dry cloth · avoid chemicals · store dry

Larger abalone shells take longer to form - the mollusk lays down nacre at a slow, steady rate across years of growth, and the iridescent interior reaches its full visual depth only on shells from older specimens. The 6–7 inch size carries the most pronounced colour-shift in the range; the interior typically reads deeper blue-green-purple than the smaller sizes display. The shell records the years of growth visually, in the same way tree rings record the years of a trunk.