Abalone shells are the most common way to burn bay leaves, sage, cedar and more for cleansing/ smudgings. The reason why the abalone shell is an important tool to use is because they are almost entirely flame resisitant, You can resuse the abalone shell for years, Burning both loose sage to palo santo bundles. In my photos above, i use loose sage (white and blue), dried roses and ceder.   
* Abalone Shell and Wooden Stand. xl polished shell 
 
 
All photos and videos made by @ilmypsychicjane.com