Ambergris - Wikipedia Ambergris ( ˈ æ m b ər ɡ r iː s or ˈ æ m b ər ɡ r ɪ s ; Latin: ambra grisea; Old French: ambre gris), ambergrease, or grey amber is a solid, waxy, flammable substance of a dull grey or blackish colour produced in the digestive system of sperm whales [1]
Why Is Ambergris (Whale Poop) So Valuable? | HowStuffWorks Ambergris (which comes from a French phrase meaning "gray amber") forms in the intestines of a sperm whale Scientists have found squid beaks in clumps of ambergris, leading many to surmise the ambergris is something of a protective secretion that protects sperm whales' digestive tracts from the scratching of those hard beaks
Ambergris | Uses in Perfumery, Medicinal Properties Chemical . . . ambergris, a solid waxy substance originating in the intestine of the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) In Eastern cultures ambergris is used for medicines and potions and as a spice; in the West it was used to stabilize the scent of fine perfumes
What is ambergris? - Natural History Museum Ambergris is made by sperm whales and has been used by people for centuries Find out what it is made from, how it ends up in the ocean and whether we still use ambergris in perfumes
How to identify ambergris, ambergris shape, colour, size and smell . . . Ambergris is most often white, grey, black or brown in colour or even a mixture of these shades The colours are typically dull and earthy and the texture is often hard, like rock or dry clay Check the sections below to find more helpful tips to identify ambergris
Ambergris: The Mysterious Substance from Whales Explained - Dana Wharf Ambergris is a solid, waxy, and flammable substance that originates from the digestive system of sperm whales It’s formed from the indigestible parts of the whale’s diet, primarily the beaks of cuttlefish and squid The color of ambergris can vary from black to grey to white, often becoming lighter over time
What Is Ambergris and Where Does It Come From? Sometimes found washed up on shore, ambergris has long puzzled people Its medicinal value made people curious; its rarity made it mysterious and expensive; ultimately, it became the basis of fine perfumes, a fact Herman Melville found deeply ironic in Moby Dick Discovered on beaches or inside dead whales, it was dark and rank when fresh, but
What is Ambergris? | Smithsonian Ocean For over a thousand years, ambergris, a waxy substance that washes ashore on beaches around the world, has been sought after for its unique scent Described as musky with notes of tobacco, sandalwood, and ocean, some of the most famous and notable perfumes relied upon its indescribable yet desirable smell
Ambergris, The Whale Vomit Thats More Valuable Than Gold Ambergris is a waxy substance sometimes found in the digestive system of a sperm whale — and it can be worth millions Perfumes famously employ ingredients like exotic flowers, delicate oils, and citrus fruits to produce a compelling scent