Ambergris, often called “floating gold,” is a rare and valuable substance that forms in the digestive system of sperm whales. It has been highly prized for centuries, particularly in the perfumery industry, where it serves as a fixative, allowing fragrances to last longer. Its unique origin and scarcity contribute to its high demand.
Recognizing Ambergris
Ambergris’s physical characteristics vary with age and exposure to the elements. Freshly expelled, it can be pale white, soft, and have a strong fecal or marine odor. As it ages in the ocean, it hardens and develops a waxy or crusty texture. Its color can vary significantly, appearing as dull grey, black, brown, or mottled, with lighter shades like silver, cream, or pure white indicating greater age and value.
Its scent also changes with age. Fresh pieces may have an unpleasant, strong fecal smell, sometimes compared to manure. Over time, this transforms into a complex, sweet, earthy, musky, marine aroma. A common test involves heating a needle and touching it to the suspected substance; if it is ambergris, the surface will melt instantly, forming a glossy, sticky, black or caramel-colored residue. Materials often mistaken for ambergris include hardened fat, rock, plastic, or pine resin.
Understanding Legalities
The legal framework surrounding ambergris is complex and varies across countries, primarily due to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Sperm whales, the source of ambergris, are listed under CITES Appendix I, generally prohibiting commercial international trade in their products. However, CITES often regards naturally excreted ambergris as a waste product, not directly from a killed whale, leading to differing national interpretations.
In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, France, and New Zealand, finding and selling naturally occurring ambergris is legal. In New Zealand, no permit is required to collect naturally separated ambergris, provided the finder notifies the Department of Conservation. Similarly, the UK and EU consider it legal to salvage and sell ambergris from beaches.
Conversely, the possession and trade of ambergris are illegal in other nations, including the United States, Australia, and India. In the United States, the Endangered Species Act of 1973 prohibits ambergris possession and trade, considering it a product of an endangered species. Australian federal law also bans ambergris export and import for commercial purposes under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, treating it as a whale product. These prohibitions exist even if the ambergris was found naturally, aiming to remove any economic incentive that might contribute to the demand for parts of endangered species.
Official Reporting Steps
Discovering a substance resembling ambergris requires careful consideration. Avoid excessive handling of the material. Instead of moving or storing the substance, document the find thoroughly. This documentation should include the precise location where it was found, the date and time of discovery, and clear photographs from various angles.
After initial documentation, contact the relevant local authorities. In the United States, contact the National Marine Fisheries Service or your state’s environmental agency. In the United Kingdom, DEFRA or marine conservation organizations are appropriate contacts. Australian finders should report to their state or territory environment department. These agencies can provide guidance on official verification processes and ensure compliance with local regulations.
Providing detailed information assists authorities in verifying the substance and understanding its potential scientific value. They may arrange for experts to inspect the find on-site or provide instructions for safely submitting a sample for analysis. This official verification process is essential, as it confirms the identity of the material and ensures adherence to wildlife protection laws.
Determining Value and Selling
Ambergris value is highly variable, depending on quality, age, and type. Older, lighter-colored pieces (light grey, silver, cream, or pure white) are most valuable due to their refined scent profile, which develops through prolonged oxidation. Freshly expelled, black ambergris has a lower value because its strong fecal odor has not yet matured.
While some perfume manufacturers and specialized dealers seek natural ambergris, selling channels are limited. The substance is primarily traded among a niche group of collectors, perfumers, and dealers. Any sale must strictly follow the legal requirements of the specific jurisdiction where it was found, as commercial trade is often highly restricted or prohibited due to CITES regulations and varying national laws. Synthetic alternatives to ambergris are now widely used in perfumery, which impacts the demand for natural ambergris.