Abalone Shell has been typically used as a tool to hold smudge stick in beginning on any ritual or ceremony. It is practically used for what is remain of smudge such as smudge stick. If you burning resin such as frankincense then please used sand on it following with charcoal and resins or herbs.
Abalone shells are also a gift from the sea and, thus, symbolically represent the water element while the unlit herbs represent earth, the lit herb represents fire and the smoke represents air. In this way, the act of smudging invites Mother Gaia into the center of the ceremony to hold space for any transformations that will occur.
Smoke is known as an ally that attaches itself to negative energy and carries it to another place. It’s also seen to carry prayers out into the Universe