What is…
onycha

Hebrew: שְׁחֶלֶת —transliteration: shecheleth —meaning: Onycha, a scale, shell, the aromatic mussel

Greek: ὄνυξ

This is a Latin word applied to the operculum, i.e., the claw or nail of the strombus or wing-shell, a univalve common in the Red Sea.

This was an ingredient in the sacred incense used daily in the Holy Tabernacle and the Temple.

Then Yahweh said to Moses, “Take for yourself fragrances, stacte and onycha and galbanum, fragrances with pure frankincense; there shall be an equal part of each. —Exodus 30:34 LSB

The opercula of these shellfish when burned emit a strong odour “like castoreum.” It is said to be “a superb incense fixative” used by incense masters.

More information

• Perfumes and sweet fragrances in the Bible
• What is incense and how was it used in the worship of God?
• What are censers?
• spicery