Mystikal

What it is

Mystikal is a synthetic fragrance molecule that does not occur in nature. It is meant to imitate the smoky aroma of frankincense while keeping a modern transparency that natural resins cannot reach. It imparts its own incense-like notes to a composition.

Natural counterpart

Frankincense is an aromatic resin used in incense and perfume, obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia. Several species of Boswellia produce frankincense, among them Boswellia sacra, B. frereana, B. serrata and B. papyrifera. Incense is an aromatic material that releases fragrant smoke when burnt, and frankincense is among the resins commonly used in perfumery. The oil distilled from the resin consists mainly of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, such as A-pinene, limonene and B-pinene. The smell of frankincense oil is described as terpenic, incense, peppery, spicy, old wood, woody, pine, resinous and green. Frankincense also has a distinctive "old church" scent. The essential oil is produced by steam distillation of the resin, and steam-distilled oils do not contain the boswellic acids, which are not volatile enough.

Burnt incense

Direct-burning incense is lit by a flame and then leaves a glowing ember that smoulders and releases a smoky fragrance. Frankincense means "pure incense".

Explore all seven extraits in the Discovery Set.

—

Related: Alder · Alpha Humulene · Amaranth · Amberever · Amburana Bark · Antillone · Apple Tree