Most of us don’t tend to think so much about excretions. We usually like to dispose of them as soon as the deed is done. But we can’t say the same for sperm whales. A small lump can fetch you a minimum of $18000 or more!
Also known as floating gold, it’s far from what you are imagining. It doesn’t come in shiny or glittery form – instead, it is a rock that smells. Yes, pungent smell.
So, what is this all about?
The sperm whale feed on octopus, squid, cuttlefish, and even giant squid. The production of ambergris (we will come back to this) all starts with this rather slippery diet.
The whale can’t digest the squid’s beak and causes irritation to its intestines. To protect itself, the mammal produces Ambergris. It is a solid, waxy, and flammable substance that is dull grey or blackish in color. However, it is believed to be passed either as spew or feces.
And that’s where it gets its famous name – Whale Vomit!!
Adam Partridge Auctioneers & Valuers
Viscous, black, stinky blocks of freshly expelled ambergris float on the ocean’s surface. Sun, air, and saltwater oxidize the mass, and water continually evaporates. It hardens and eventually becomes grey and waxy, which is extremely valuable – because a block of it can cost up to $70,000.
As whale vomit ages, it becomes an ideal ingredient for premium perfumes. However, it is also illegal to possess it, as sperm whales have been declared endangered species since 1970.
Isn’t it quite interesting? What are your thoughts on whale vomit?
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