Unguis odoratus
Unguis odoratus, is a Latin term that refers to a traditional incense ingredient used in many cultures derived from opercula of certain gastropods. Translated it means: unguis, a noun meaning nail, claw, or fang, and odoratus an adjective meaning fragrant or perfumed.
These opercula were used in medicine and perfumery.
. Caught in the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf, these shells, thought to have come from Byzantium, reached Europe through the spice trade.