Ambergris, often called “floating gold,” is a highly sought-after substance with a mysterious allure. For centuries, its origins remained a puzzle, sparking various theories before its true source was identified. This unique material, prized for its distinct properties, continues to fascinate due to its rarity and complex journey from ocean depths to valuable commodity.
Nature and Origin
Ambergris is a solid, waxy substance that originates in the digestive system of sperm whales ( _Physeter macrocephalus_ ). These whales consume large quantities of cephalopods, particularly squid, whose indigestible beaks and other hard parts can sometimes irritate the whale’s intestines. In response, the whale’s digestive tract produces a fatty, waxy secretion that encases these sharp objects, forming a mass.
The mass then undergoes a transformation within the whale’s intestines over several years. While some believe it is expelled through vomiting, current scientific understanding indicates that ambergris is passed naturally as a waste product through the whale’s rectum. Once expelled, it floats in the ocean, sometimes for decades, undergoing a curing process due to exposure to saltwater, air, and sunlight. This natural expulsion means that obtaining ambergris does not harm living whales.
Unique Characteristics
When freshly expelled, ambergris is black or dark grey, soft, and has a strong, unpleasant fecal or marine odor. As it ages, it undergoes significant changes in its physical and aromatic properties. The substance hardens and becomes crusty or waxy, with colors evolving from dark grey or black to lighter shades of grey, white, or mottled variations.
The scent profile transforms during this curing process. The initial fecal notes dissipate, giving way to a complex aroma described as sweet, earthy, marine, and musky. Depending on its age and quality, ambergris can also develop notes reminiscent of tobacco, sandalwood, or damp earth. This evolved, multifaceted scent is a primary reason for its high value.
Applications Through History
Ambergris has been utilized across diverse cultures for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians burned it as incense, while in China, it was known as “dragon’s spittle fragrance.” It also found uses in traditional medicines, as a spice in food and drink, and even as an aphrodisiac, with some 18th-century European recipes calling for it in hot chocolate or Turkish coffee.
The most prominent application of ambergris has been in perfumery. Its unique composition, including the compound ambrein, allows it to act as a fixative. This property enables ambergris to stabilize and prolong the scent of other more volatile fragrance ingredients, enhancing their longevity and adding depth. While still used in some high-end perfumes, synthetic alternatives like ambroxide have largely replaced natural ambergris in modern perfumery due to its scarcity and cost.
Scarcity and Legal Status
Ambergris is rare because only a small percentage of sperm whales, estimated at less than 5%, produce it. Even when produced, it can float in the ocean for many years before washing ashore, making its discovery unpredictable. Its rarity contributes significantly to its high market value, which can exceed that of gold, with prices reaching up to $120,000 USD per kilogram for high-quality pieces.
The legal status of ambergris varies across countries due to wildlife protection regulations. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) considers naturally expelled ambergris a waste product, exempting it from strict trade prohibitions on other whale products. Therefore, in many countries, including the UK and most of the European Union, finding and selling ambergris found on beaches is legal. However, in the United States and Australia, possession and trade are prohibited under laws like the Endangered Species Act, which aim to protect sperm whales.