Dragon's blood and carnelian share a colour family, the resin deep red and the stone red-orange. This box holds hand-rolled Indian incense sticks with a dragon's blood scent, and a separate piece of carnelian beside them.
Dragon's blood, the red resin
It sounds like something from a fairy tale, but dragon's blood is a plant resin. It comes from certain palms and dragon trees and is named after its deep red colour. In the past it was also used as a dye and a varnish.
Its scent is resinous, warm and slightly sweet. It is said to be a protective smoke, and many people light it before facing a difficult task.
Red-orange chalcedony
Carnelian is the translucent, red-orange form of chalcedony. It was a favourite stone in ancient Egypt and Rome, carved into jewellery and seals.
People who work with crystals see it as a stone of zest for life and creativity. If you paint, sew or write, you could keep it on your work table. It is a hard stone that copes well in a pocket or bag. The decorative box also makes a good gift, say for someone starting a new job.
Dragon's blood resin is also sold in lumps to burn on charcoal. These sticks are simpler, as they burn on their own once set in a holder.
Putting out the ember
You will need a heat-resistant holder on a stable, non-flammable surface. Once the stick is lit, blow out the flame so it only glows. Do not leave it unattended, and air the room afterwards.
To put it out early, press the glowing end into sand or ash, and you can relight a half-burned stick later. The stone stays with you after the sticks are gone. Keep the smoke away from children and pets.