Quick Specs
- Type: Raw Boswellia resin tears, unblended
- Size/Quantity: 1 lb
- Best for: Ritual incense burning, meditation, ceremonial use, resin study
What Frankincense Tears Are and Where They Come From
Frankincense tears are the crystallized resin droplets that form when the milky sap of a Boswellia tree is exposed to air after the bark is scored. Harvesters cut shallow incisions in the trunk, allow the sap to bleed out and solidify over days or weeks, then collect the hardened pellets by hand. The resulting pieces are called tears because of their rounded, teardrop shape. Boswellia carteri and Boswellia sacra are the two species most commonly traded as frankincense resin, with B. sacra from Oman and B. carteri from the coastal regions of Somalia and Ethiopia accounting for the majority of the global supply.
The trees require eight to ten years of growth before the first harvest, and each tree can only be tapped a limited number of times per year without damage. This slow cycle explains why frankincense resin has historically carried value in trade. Archaeological evidence of frankincense use in ritual contexts extends back to at least 1500 BCE in Egypt, where it was burned in temple ceremonies and used in the embalming process. The resin traveled the ancient incense trade routes connecting Arabia to the Mediterranean, passing through what is now Yemen, Oman, and the Levant before reaching Rome and Greece.
Burning Pure Boswellia Resin Versus a Blended Formula
The 1 lb quantity of pure frankincense tears here differs in an important way from blended resin formulas: there are no additives, no binders, and no secondary resins or botanicals mixed in. What you receive is single-origin Boswellia resin in its natural crystallized form. Burning it over a lit charcoal disc releases the characteristic sweet, balsamic, slightly citrus-edged smoke that has made frankincense the standard for sacred ceremony across Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Coptic, Islamic, Jewish, Buddhist, and pagan traditions for millennia. The 1 lb size provides a substantial supply for practitioners who burn resin regularly, whether in daily meditation or weekly ceremonial settings. Browse my granular and resin incense collection to see the full selection of resins and blends.
Frankincense is a traditional church and folk-magic incense resin, and church-style resin incense is also used in hoodoo. Ceremonial magicians in the Solomonic tradition associate frankincense with solar energy and use it in rites tied to the sun and prosperity. The resin’s versatility across traditions comes from its clean, warm profile that works well alone or as a base for pairing with other aromatics like myrrh, benzoin, or dragon’s blood.
How to Use Frankincense Tears Resin Incense
How to burn and store raw frankincense tears resin incense using a charcoal disc setup.
- Light the Charcoal Disc
Hold a self-lighting charcoal disc at its edge with tongs. Light the rim and set it in a heat-safe burner or incense dish lined with sand. Wait until the surface shows white ash before adding resin, usually about ninety seconds to two minutes.
- Place Tears on the Disc
Using a small spoon or fingertips, set two or three frankincense tears on the glowing charcoal surface. The resin melts and smokes quickly. Add one or two more tears every few minutes as the smoke slows, rather than piling on a large amount.
- Store the Remainder Properly
Seal remaining tears in an airtight container, jar, or resealable bag and keep them in a cool, dark location away from direct heat. Heat softens and can fuse the tears together, though this does not affect aromatic quality when burned.
The Tarot Fellow Standard
I stock this 1 lb size because serious practitioners burn frankincense in quantity and the small-bag format runs out quickly. Buying in bulk also encourages experimentation, pairing the resin with myrrh, benzoin, or other aromatics to build your own blends without rationing. This is a straightforward product: raw Boswellia resin tears with no additives, no perfume oils, no synthetic enhancement. What you get is what has been burned in temples and on home altars across cultures for thousands of years. If you’re setting up a complete resin-burning station, take a look at my altar supplies for the tools and accessories that complete the setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frankincense tears are whole crystallized resin droplets harvested from scored Boswellia tree bark. Ground frankincense is the same resin milled to powder. Tears burn more slowly and evenly on charcoal, giving better control over smoke output.
The most common species are Boswellia carteri, from Somalia and Ethiopia, and Boswellia sacra from Oman. Both produce aromatic resin tears with a sweet, balsamic, slightly citrus profile. The exact species may vary by supplier and harvest batch.
Frankincense tears need sustained heat to melt and release smoke. A glowing charcoal disc is standard. Some screen burners with a tea light below the mesh can work for lighter melting, though charcoal produces a fuller, more traditional output.
Store frankincense tears in an airtight container in a cool, dark spot away from heat and sunlight. Heat can cause tears to soften and clump, but this does not reduce aromatic quality. A sealed glass jar works well for long-term storage.
Pricey but worth it! Smells fantastic! Works like a charm 😉 shipping could be a little quicker.
Pricey but worth it! Smells fantastic! Works like a charm shipping could be a little quicker.