Onyx- called Tziporen in Hebrew. Also called Shachelet. Is identified as a perfume from the fauna. Researchers have discovered that the onyx is the epiphragm of the snail produced during hibernation. This maritime snail’s habitat is in the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea.
The harvesters would peel off the cover and clean it thoroughly, as it is an extract of a sea creature and as such needs thorough cleaning, as is mentioned in the Mishna. When the cover is roasted it has a wonderful aroma.
בּוֹרִית כַּרְשִׁינָא לְמָה הִיא בָאָה כְּדֵי לְשַׁפּוֹת בָּהּ אֶת הַצִּפּוֹרֶן כְּדֵי שֶׁתְּהֵא נָאָה. יֵין קַפְרִיסִין לְמָה הוּא בָא כְּדֵי לִשְׁרוֹת בּוֹ אֶת הַצִּפּוֹרֶן כְּדֵי שֶׁתְּהֵא עַזָּ (יומא פרק ו’).
Onyx is prevalent in Jordan, Morrocco, and Ethiopia, and is used in various traditions for energy cleansing.
Many years have past since the priests of the Avtinas family made the traditional incense. Our sources and Rabbis have kept up the oral traditions and retained the secrets of the ancient incense for two thousand years. Over time, some of the plants used have become extinct or rare and have changed their original names. In some cases, this has made the identification process difficult and there are several opinions. Especially when the perfume is obtained from an animal, which is controversial. It seems contradictory to use a non- kosher animal in the holy Temple, as they were extremely particular about the source and quality of the plants and animals used for the Temple service.
All theories are valuable, because as we learn about the different opinions, we discover the various important and useful plants in the ancient world- for cosmetic, medical and perfume purposes. Then we investigate their cultivation and advantages in our current world.
According to the first theory the Onyx is derived from a snail, like honey from a bee. In modern times we aim to avoid harming animals and have a goal to use only plant products. The plant version of Onyx is made of Mukul Commiphora. The sap of a small and gnarled tree, that grows in arid and rocky areas in India. It is an important plant in Chinese and Indian medicine, supporting skin problems like acne and wounds.
Connection between cosmetics and Onyx
The use of Onyx can contribute a unique and diverse fragrance to the merchandise.
Connection between Onyx and AVITANAS products
The use of Onyx in AVITANAS products is still in the research and development stages.