At a glance
- Natural abalone shell, 5 inches
- Up to 165 g (5.8 oz)
- Iridescent nacre interior — blue, green and pink
- From Mexico
- Wide and shallow: rests a smudge bundle or catches ash
- Doubles as a jewelry or offering dish
How to use it
A shell is not a fireproof bowl. Used properly it lasts for years; used carelessly it cracks in one session.
- Line the base with a shallow layer of sand or salt. This is the single step most people skip and the reason shells crack.
- Rest the lit smudge bundle or stick on the sand, never directly on bare nacre.
- Carry the shell with a hand underneath, walking the room slowly.
- Set it down on a heatproof surface and let everything burn out fully.
- When cool, tip out the ash and wipe with a dry cloth. Never put it in water while warm.
Using It Well
| Do |
Do Not |
| Line it with sand or salt |
Burn directly on the bare shell |
| Rest it on a heatproof surface |
Hold it bare-handed once it is warm |
| Wipe out cool ash |
Soak it or run it under hot water |
| Store it dry |
Stack heavy objects inside it |
✨ Temple Tip
If your shell already has a hairline crack, keep it — retire it from burning duty and give it to the jewelry or the offerings instead. A cracked abalone shell on an altar is still one of the loveliest dishes you will own.
Frequently asked questions
How big is the shell?
Five inches across, weighing up to 165 g (5.8 oz).
Where is it from?
Mexico.
Can I burn directly in it?
Line it with sand or salt first. Direct heat on bare nacre can crack the shell.
Will mine look exactly like the photograph?
In differences lies beauty. Every piece is natural and hand-selected, so color, pattern and size vary a little from the photograph.
What else can I use it for?
It works as a jewelry dish, an offering bowl, or a rest for rings and small stones.
How quickly does it ship?
Ships within 3 business days, wrapped for protection.
The sea made a better bowl than we ever did. #TempleOfDesire
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