Hyrax, or hyraceum, is a rare animalic perfumery material made from the petrified, aged excrement and urine of the rock hyrax, a small African mammal. Also sold as Africa Stone, it has a complex fermented, musky and leathery smell and is used as a cruelty-free alternative to civet, castoreum and deer musk.

What does Hyrax smell like?

Hyraceum smells deeply animalic and fermented, combining facets reminiscent of musk, castoreum, civet, tobacco and agarwood. Undiluted it is pungent and barnyard-like; in dilution it becomes warm, leathery and skin-like, with a slightly sweet, earthy depth. It is drier and more mineral than civet, and less smoky than castoreum.

Where Hyrax comes from

The rock hyrax (Procavia capensis) returns to the same spots among rocks and caves to relieve itself. Over time its urine and faeces build up into hard, resin-like middens that can age for centuries or far longer. Pieces are collected from these sites, mainly in South Africa and Namibia, without capturing or harming the animals, and are tinctured or extracted for perfumery.

• Also known as: Hyraceum, Africa Stone, dassie
• Fragrance family: Animalic
• Type: Natural (animal-derived, collected without harm)
• Main origins: South Africa and Namibia
• How it's obtained: Collection of petrified middens, then alcohol tincture or solvent extraction

Hyrax in perfume history

Hyraceum was traditionally used in southern African folk practices, but it only entered fine perfumery relatively recently, as perfumers searched for animalic materials that did not involve killing or confining animals. Its use has grown mainly since the 2000s, particularly among niche and natural perfumers.

Hyrax in modern perfumery

Hyraceum is a specialist ingredient, used in small quantities by niche and artisan perfumers to add realistic animal warmth. It is valued as an ethical alternative to civet and castoreum, although scientists have raised concerns that commercial collection can damage hyrax middens, which are important long-term records of past climate.

How Hyrax wears and what it pairs with

Used as a trace base note, hyraceum adds depth, diffusion and long-lasting warmth. It pairs well with oud, leather, labdanum, tobacco, rose, jasmine, sandalwood and vanilla.

Safety and regulation

Hyraceum is collected without harming animals, but it is a raw natural material and must be properly processed and used at low levels within standard fragrance safety guidelines.