Antonio Mcgowan
Whale poop, or ambergris, is a smooth, waxy, and usually round substance that is produced by sperm whales. It is highly valued by perfume makers as a fixative that allows the scent to last much longer. While it has a terrible odour when freshly produced, it acquires a sweet, earthy scent as it ages in the ocean. Ambergris is extremely rare, as it is produced by only about one percent of sperm whales. Its rarity, coupled with its prized fragrance, makes it highly sought-after by perfumers, who are willing to pay thousands of dollars per pound.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is it called? | Ambergris |
| What is it? | A smooth, waxy, flammable substance of a dull grey or black colour |
| Where does it come from? | Produced in the bile duct in the intestines of the sperm whale |
| How is it formed? | Over years, from the indigestible parts of a sperm whale's diet, such as squid beaks |
| How does it leave the whale? | Some believe it is regurgitated, but it is more likely passed out like faecal matter |
| Where is it found? | In the ocean or washed up on coastlines, primarily in the Atlantic Ocean and on the coasts of South Africa, Brazil, Madagascar, the Maldives, China, Japan, India, Australia, New Zealand, and the Molucca Islands |
| How does it smell? | Initially, it has a terrible, marine, fecal odour, but over time it develops a sweet, earthy scent |
| Why is it valuable? | It is rare, and has an exotic, indescribable aroma, making it sought-after in the perfume industry |
| How much is it worth? | Up to $7,200 per pound, or 30 times more than silver per gram |
| Is it legal? | In some countries, it is prohibited, while in others it is legal or a grey area. In the US, it is illegal to buy or sell |
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What You'll Learn
Ambergris: the 'whale vomit' that is actually whale poop
Ambergris, sometimes called "floating gold", is a highly valuable substance that forms in the intestines of sperm whales. It is a smooth, waxy, usually round substance that is initially soft and has a terrible marine, fecal odour. Over time, it hardens and acquires a sweet, earthy scent. It is extremely rare, as only about one percent of sperm whales produce it.
For centuries, ambergris has been used as a fixative in perfumery, helping the scent to last much longer. It is also used in incense, flavouring for food and drink, medicine, and as an aphrodisiac. Its use in perfume dates back to at least the 17th century, and it was used in a super-expensive, 200-year-old perfume originally made by Marie Antoinette. Today, perfume companies like Chanel and Lanvin still use ambergris in their fragrances.
The origin of ambergris was a mystery for many years, with several theories proposed, including that it was hardened sea foam or the droppings of large birds. It was only when large-scale whaling began in the 1800s that the sperm whale was identified as its producer. Sperm whales eat large quantities of squid, and the indigestible elements of their prey, such as the beaks and pens, are usually vomited out before digestion. However, in rare circumstances, these parts move into the whale's intestines and bind together to form a solid mass of ambergris.
There are conflicting opinions on how ambergris is expelled from the whale. Some believe that it is regurgitated, earning it the nickname "whale vomit". However, others, including the Natural History Museum's Principal Curator of Mammals, Richard Sabin, believe that ambergris is passed out of the whale like faecal matter, forming an obstruction in the rectum.
Due to its rarity and unique scent, ambergris can be extremely valuable, sometimes worth thousands of dollars per pound. It is often collected by "ambergris hunters", who track weather patterns and ocean currents to predict where it might wash up. However, its collection and sale are controversial. Whales are now protected worldwide, and in some countries, all whale-derived products, including ambergris, are prohibited. While the collection of ambergris does not involve any harm to whales, it was previously obtained through the killing and cutting of whales, leading to their endangerment.
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Why is ambergris so valuable?
Ambergris, commonly known as "whale vomit" or "whale poop", is a waxy substance that is produced by sperm whales. It is formed in the intestines of the whale as a protective secretion to shield the whale's digestive tract from the hard beaks of squids, which the whale consumes. Over time, the substance is passed out of the whale, either through regurgitation or as faecal matter.
Ambergris has been valued for thousands of years, with a variety of uses across different cultures. It has been used as an ingredient in perfume, pharmaceuticals, incense, aphrodisiacs, and flavouring for food and drink.
The value of ambergris lies primarily in its rarity. It is estimated that only about 1% of sperm whales produce ambergris, and even then, it is typically found in the middle of the ocean. It is only reported to be found in less than 5% of sperm whale carcasses that wash up on beaches. As a result, the price of ambergris can be extremely high, with a pound of this substance worth thousands of dollars.
The unique characteristics of ambergris also contribute to its value. The molecules of ambergris are lipophilic (fat-loving), which means they have a high affinity for other lipophilic molecules, including those found in perfumes. This property allows ambergris to sustain scent, making it a sought-after ingredient in the fragrance industry. The quality and value of ambergris are influenced by the amount of time it spends floating in the ocean and exposed to oxidation, which affects its colour and fragrance.
The legal status of ambergris varies across the world. In some countries, such as the United States, the buying and selling of ambergris are prohibited due to legislation protecting endangered species. However, in other countries, the trade is legal, and ambergris continues to be a valuable commodity.
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How is ambergris formed?
Ambergris is a waxy, flammable substance produced in the digestive system of sperm whales. It is formed when a sperm whale consumes the indigestible beaks of squids. These beaks bind together with fatty secretions to form a solid mass of ambergris inside the whale over many years. It is thought that ambergris protects the whale's internal organs from the sharp squid beaks.
There are conflicting opinions on how ambergris is expelled from the whale. Traditionally, it was believed that ambergris was vomited out by the whale. However, many scientists now believe that it is passed out along with faecal matter, forming an obstruction in the whale's rectum. Some even suggest that the obstruction grows so large that it eventually fatally ruptures the whale's rectum.
Once expelled from the whale, ambergris has a strong faecal odour. Over time, as it floats in the ocean and is exposed to sunlight, saltwater, and air, it hardens and develops a rock-like appearance. The outer layers become crusty and rough, while the inside may retain a softer, waxier texture. The scent also becomes more pleasant, described as musky, sweet, and earthy. This process can take anywhere from months to years, and the longer the ambergris is exposed to the sea, the better the quality is thought to be.
Due to its rarity and pleasant scent, ambergris is highly sought after in the perfume industry. It is used as a fixative to make fragrances last longer. However, due to its association with endangered sperm whales, the buying and selling of ambergris are illegal in some countries, including the United States and India.
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Where is ambergris found?
Ambergris is a smooth, waxy substance produced by sperm whales. It is formed in the intestines of the whale, as a result of the build-up of squid beaks and other debris. It is then passed out of the whale, along with faecal matter.
It is sometimes found washed up on beaches, and can be extremely valuable. It has been used for centuries as an ingredient in perfumes, incense, medicine, and flavouring for food and drink.
Today, it is found primarily in the Atlantic Ocean and on the coasts of South Africa, Brazil, Madagascar, the East Indies, the Maldives, China, Japan, India, Australia, New Zealand, and the Molucca Islands. Most commercially collected ambergris comes from the Bahamas in the Atlantic, particularly New Providence.
In 2021, fishermen found a 127 kg (280-pound) piece of ambergris off the coast of Yemen, valued at US$1.5 million. In 2006, a couple found a 32-pound piece on a beach in Australia, worth nearly $300,000. In 2023, a pathologist found a €500,000 lump of ambergris in a dead whale in the Canary Islands.
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Why is ambergris banned in some countries?
Ambergris, a rare and highly valued ingredient in perfumery, is derived from the intestinal secretions of sperm whales. It is sometimes found in the abdomens of dead sperm whales. It is believed that an ambergris mass too large to be passed through the intestines is expelled via the mouth, although this is debated. Another theory is that an ambergris mass is formed when the colon of a whale is enlarged by a blockage from intestinal worms and cephalopod parts, resulting in the death of the whale and the mass being excreted into the sea.
Although no whales are harmed in the collection of ambergris, it is illegal to harvest and sell in many countries due to conservation concerns and the endangerment of the species. The laws regulating the collection and sale of ambergris vary around the world. Countries where the ambergris trade is illegal include Australia, the United States, and India. In the United States, for example, the possession and trade of ambergris are prohibited by the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, some expensive perfumes use ambergris, a rare type of whale poop that is excreted by sperm whales. Ambergris is used as a base note in perfumes and is highly valued by perfumers for its unique and complex scent.
Ambergris is extremely rare, as it is produced only by an estimated one percent of sperm whales. It also has a unique and exotic fragrance that is highly sought-after in the perfume industry. The process of collecting ambergris is challenging, as it is usually found floating in the ocean or washed up on coastlines.
The legality of using ambergris varies across different countries. In some countries, such as the United States, the buying and selling of ambergris are prohibited due to endangered species legislation. However, in other countries, it may be legal or exist in a legal grey area. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) considers ambergris a "found" material, similar to biological waste, and allows its trade only if it is found on seashores.
