Ambergris, often referred to as “floating gold,” owes its nickname to its tendency to be found drifting in the ocean. Ambergris is a solid, waxy material produced in the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) and also in the pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps). It is however, only found in about 1-5% of these whales, so is not a common substance. Sadly, in recent days, Young sperm whales are found dead on beach with stomach full of plastic waste.
This unique substance has been cherished in the world of perfumery for centuries. Its usage can be traced back to ancient Egypt, marking the earliest recorded incorporation of ambergris in fragrance creation. Even in modern times, it continues to be a coveted ingredient, albeit at a steep price. The value of ambergris can fluctuate based on factors such as size, quality, and color, making each piece unique. Astonishingly, the largest recorded discovery weighed a staggering 1,300 pounds (590 kilograms). Its scarcity adds to its allure, with the finding of ambergris within a deceased whale being an extraordinary and infrequent occurrence. Thus, ambergris remains not only a valuable substance but also an extraordinary rarity in the world of perfumery and beyond.
A team of pathologists in the Canary Islands made a remarkable discovery when they performed a postmortem on a deceased sperm whale. The whale had washed up on a beach on the island of La Palma, and the pathologists were initially concerned that it had died from a digestive problem. However, when they inspected the animal’s colon, they found a large, hard lump that turned out to be a lump of ambergris.
Ambergris is a rare and valuable substance that is produced by sperm whales. It is formed when a whale’s digestive system breaks down squid beaks and other indigestible matter. The resulting substance is a waxy, grayish-black mass that has a strong, musky odor. Ambergris is highly prized by perfumers, who use it to add a unique and long-lasting scent to their products.
The lump of ambergris that was found in the whale’s colon weighed about 100 pounds (45 kilograms). It is estimated to be worth around €500,000 (£430,000). The pathologists who made the discovery have donated the ambergris to the University of Las Palmas, where it will be studied further.
This is not the first time that a large amount of ambergris has been found in a deceased whale. In 2016, a sperm whale washed up on a beach in Indonesia with a 1,300-pound (590-kilogram) lump of ambergris in its stomach. That lump was worth an estimated $1.5 million.
Ambergris is a very rare substance, and it is only found in about one in 100 sperm whales. As a result, it is highly prized by perfumers and other collectors. The discovery of the ambergris in the Canary Islands is a significant event, and it is likely to generate a lot of interest from the perfume industry.
In addition to its value, ambergris is also a fascinating substance. It is not fully understood how ambergris is formed, and its exact composition is still being researched. However, it is known that ambergris has a number of properties that make it valuable to perfumers. For example, it is a very good fixative, which means that it helps to keep the scent of a perfume from evaporating. It is also a very versatile substance, and it can be used to create a wide variety of different scents.
The discovery of the ambergris in the Canary Islands is a reminder of the natural beauty and wonder of the world. It is also a reminder of the importance of protecting marine life, as sperm whales are an endangered species. Hopefully, this discovery will help to raise awareness of the plight of sperm whales and other marine animals.
