Lance Carson
Burning incense crystals is a delightful experience, filling your home with fragrance and creating long-lasting memories. However, it can be a little tricky to get right. The most popular way to burn incense crystals is to use charcoal, but this can produce a lot of smoke. To avoid this, you can use an aromatherapy oil warmer with vegetable oil, or tea lights, to heat your incense without the smoke. If you do opt for charcoal, you'll need to use a charcoal burner or a heat-proof dish filled with sand, ash, or salt to absorb the heat, and always use tongs to hold the charcoal as it heats up.
How to burn incense crystals
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Incense crystals | Require an external heat source to burn |
| Burning method | Charcoal disc, aromatherapy oil warmer, or tea light |
| Charcoal disc setup | Place disc in a burner or heat-proof dish filled with sand or rocks |
| Charcoal disc ignition | Hold with tongs and light with a flame until glowing |
| Charcoal disc smoke | Wait for smoke to stop or place on a windowsill |
| Aromatherapy oil warmer | Use vegetable oil in a ceramic or glass dish |
| Tea light | Use an unfragranced candle |
| Ventilation | Ensure proper ventilation when burning incense |
| Safety | Never leave burning incense unattended |
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What You'll Learn
Using charcoal disks
To light the charcoal disk, hold it with your thumb and forefinger with the depression side up. Apply a flame from a match, lighter, or candle to the opposite end. Once the charcoal begins to heat, it will start to sparkle. Take care to ensure that the sparks extinguish as a fire precaution. Place the charcoal on the incense burner and allow it to completely ignite. This is when the line of sparks moves across the face of the disc and reaches the opposite side. While this happens, smoke will rise, which should not be inhaled. Charcoal discs are bevelled at the base to allow air to be drawn through the block and provide a source of oxygen.
After the charcoal has completely ignited, let it heat up for about 5 to 7 minutes. You can place a small piece of incense resin on top of the charcoal. You don't need much resin to create a lot of smoke and scent. A tiny piece of resin, not much bigger than a grain of rice, is enough to start with. You can always burn more when it stops smoking. To make the charcoal burn hotter or faster, tap the ashes off. If you prefer a slower burn, leave the ashes.
Once the incense has finished burning, you can retrieve what's left of it and let it air-dry for later use. You can also recycle the ash by mixing it into a blend of sand or ash. Always burn incense in a well-ventilated room and avoid burning it for more than an hour at a time to prevent health complications.
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Using an aromatherapy oil warmer
To burn incense crystals using an aromatherapy oil warmer, follow these steps:
Firstly, purchase an aromatherapy oil warmer. There are two types: ceramic and glass. The ceramic variety is one piece, while the glass type is usually a glass dish set on top of a metal or ceramic stand. You can buy these from most stores that sell candles and candle stands.
Next, place your oil warmer on a heatproof surface, out of reach of children and pets, and ensure there is nothing around it that could potentially catch light. Then, place an unlit tea light candle into the bottom of the warmer, below the top surface. You can light the tea light first and then place it in the warmer, but be careful if doing so. Avoid using a votive candle, as these are too tall.
Now, carefully fill the top bowl of the warmer with cool water or carrier oil, filling it about two-thirds full. You can also use vegetable oil, but be aware that oils are very heat-sensitive. If you use the bowl without water, it may crack.
At this point, you can add a few drops of your chosen essential oil or fragrance oil. If you are using powdered incense, be gentle with the heat as powders tend to burn more easily. If you are using a tea light burner, the temperature will depend on the distance between the flame and the bowl, and the heat of the flame itself.
Leave the oil to heat up. This could take a few minutes or longer, depending on the size of the bowl, the material it is made from, and the amount of oil used.
Never leave the oil burner unattended, as you are working with an open flame. Replace the incense and oil after three to four days. If you are not going to use the oil warmer for a while, empty the bowl and wipe it clean with a paper towel. Always blow out the candle and let the warmer cool before cleaning.
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Preparing the charcoal burner
- Select a suitable burner: Choose a vessel specifically designed for burning resins, or opt for a simple bowl that you don't mind getting damaged by heat and resin residue. Charcoal burners are available, but any heat-resistant dish can be used.
- Prepare the burner: Fill your chosen burner 3/4 full with sand, small rocks, salt, or ash. These materials help absorb and distribute the heat from the charcoal, protecting your burner and surface. Place the filled burner on a heat-resistant surface, such as a ceramic coaster or tile, to avoid damaging your table or altar.
- Light the charcoal: Using a small set of tongs, hold a charcoal tablet or disc and light it with a candle or any other flame source. Follow the lighting instructions provided with your charcoal. Be very careful, as the charcoal will get extremely hot.
- Place the charcoal in the burner: Once the charcoal is lit and glowing, use the tongs to place it onto the bed of sand or rocks inside your burner. If your burner has a mesh screen, you can place the charcoal on it. You may need to flip the screen to create a bowl-like shape to hold the charcoal securely.
- Allow the charcoal to heat up: Give the charcoal a few minutes to reach the optimal temperature. You'll know it's ready when a layer of ash forms on the tablet, usually within 5-15 minutes. The charcoal should be glowing and may have stopped smoking. If it's still smoking heavily, you can place it outside until the smoke reduces.
- Safety precautions: Always use tongs or similar tools to handle the charcoal. Never touch it with your bare hands, even with gloves. Ensure proper air ventilation in the room, and never leave burning charcoal or incense unattended. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
With these steps, your charcoal burner will be ready for burning incense crystals, releasing their fragrant smoke and creating a sensory experience.
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Lighting the incense
Lighting incense crystals can be a tricky process, but it is a delightful experience. Resin incense crystals are part of the 'indirect burning incense' category, meaning they require an external heat source to burn. The most popular way to burn them is by using charcoal, but this can produce a lot of smoke. Here is a step-by-step guide to lighting your incense crystals:
Preparing Your Materials:
Firstly, gather your materials. You will need an incense burner or a heat-proof dish, a charcoal disc, tongs, and, of course, your resin incense crystals. Ensure you have a non-flammable surface to work on, such as a ceramic tile or coaster. You can also use a simple bowl, but be aware that it may get damaged. Fill your burner or dish with sand, ash, or salt, which will help absorb the heat from the charcoal.
Lighting the Charcoal:
Using your tongs, hold the charcoal disc over a flame until it starts to glow and spark. Be careful, as the disc will get very hot. Place the hot disc on the bed of sand or salt in your burner or dish. If your disc is smoking excessively, you may want to place it outside until the smoke reduces. Allow the charcoal to heat up for 5-15 minutes; you will know it is ready when a layer of ash forms on the tablet.
Burning the Incense Crystals:
Now it's time to add your incense crystals. Using a metal spoon, place a small amount of the crystals on top of the hot charcoal. The crystals will start to melt and burn, releasing their fragrance. You can add more crystals as desired until the charcoal is exhausted. Remember, the longer you leave the charcoal to cool before adding the crystals, the less smoky the experience will be.
Safety Precautions:
Always exercise caution when working with open flames and hot objects. Never touch the charcoal tablet once it is lit, and do not attempt to move the burner. Ensure proper air ventilation in the room, and never leave burning charcoal or incense unattended. When you are finished, allow the charcoal to cool completely before disposing of it. You can also douse it with water if needed.
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Safety precautions
Burning incense crystals is a great way to fill your home with fragrance and improve your mood. However, it is important to take certain safety precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are some detailed instructions to follow when burning incense crystals:
Firstly, choose the right type of incense for your purpose and space. Incense is available in various forms, such as sticks, cones, resins, and herbs. Select an incense that matches your intention, such as relaxation or focus, and ensure it is suitable for the area you will be using it in. Some incense, like resin, produces a lot of smoke, which can cause breathing problems for certain individuals.
Secondly, prepare your workspace. Ensure the area is clear of any flammable materials, such as curtains or papers, and that it is out of reach of children and pets. Always burn incense in a well-ventilated area. Open a window or door to allow fresh air to circulate and prevent the buildup of smoke. Keep pets away from the smoke, as it can be harmful to their health. Birds, in particular, are highly sensitive to smoke.
Thirdly, select an appropriate incense holder that is stable and heat-resistant. A simple ceramic dish or an ornate censer can be used, depending on your preference. Remove the incense from its packaging and gently tap one end on a hard surface to remove any excess material. If using an incense stick with a bamboo core, snap off the end before lighting it.
When lighting the incense, always use a lighter or match. Hold the incense stick or cone by the non-burning end and light the tip. If using a charcoal tablet, use tongs to hold it and ignite one side, then work the flame towards the middle and the opposite side. Never touch a burning charcoal tablet with your bare hands. Place the lit incense in the holder and allow it to burn for a few seconds until a small ember forms.
Finally, never leave burning incense unattended. Keep a close eye on it and ensure it does not come into contact with any flammable objects. When you are finished, extinguish the incense properly. Do not use water, as it can create a mess and ruin the fragrance. Instead, gently press the ember into a heat-resistant surface, such as a bowl of sand or ash. Always follow common sense and fire safety practices when burning incense crystals.
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Frequently asked questions
The most popular way to burn incense crystals is to use charcoal. However, this method produces a lot of smoke, which can cause breathing problems for some people. A safer alternative is to use an aromatherapy oil warmer.
You can purchase an aromatherapy oil warmer made from ceramic or glass from most stores that sell candles. Pour a small amount of vegetable oil into the dish and let it heat up. As the oil heats up, the incense crystals will also heat up and begin to release their aroma.
Place a charcoal disc in a heatproof dish filled with sand or rocks. Hold the charcoal disc with tongs and light a flame to one side of the disc until it sparks. Place the disc in the burner and wait for it to stop smoking. Once the charcoal has cooled, sprinkle incense crystals on top and enjoy the fragrance.
If you burn the incense daily, you will need to replace the incense crystals and oil after 3-4 days.
