Used by many for smudging and burning, herbs, wood, resin, cones etc. When used clean, it can hold crystals and other sacred items for your alter. Never put a charcoal directly on a shell or bowl. They get very hot an can burn yourself or the table it's on. Always use about 2" of sand in your shell or bowl as a heat buffer. These beautiful shells are made by Mother Nature so the are around 3"-4" long and very in size and shape.