We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Aquatic

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Ambergris?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: Jun 04, 2024
Views: 14,593
Share

Ambergris is a waxy substance which forms naturally in the intestines of sperm whales. The world is directly taken from Old English, and it is French in origin. In Old French, ambre is “amber,” while gris refers to the color gray. It is also sometimes called ambra grisea, ambergrease, or gray amber, and it is quite valuable. Humans have been using ambergris for centuries, typically as a fixative in perfumes, although it has other uses as well. Pure ambergris can sometimes be found for sale, although it is more common as a product component, and it also periodically washes ashore on beaches around the world.

When ambergris is fresh, it is almost black in color, and very soft. It also has a strong odor, which some people do not find enjoyable. After it has oxidized and weathered in the ocean, sometimes for a period of years, the ambergris turns into a hard gray to yellow mass with a sweet, earthy odor. In addition to being used in perfumes, hard masses of ambergris have also been carved into jewelry, and the substance has also been used as a spice, especially in Asia.

It is believed that whales secrete ambergris to protect their intestines from sharp objects such as the beaks of squid. As these objects enter the intestinal tract, they are covered in a layer of ambergris so that they move smoothly through, without damaging the delicate intestines of their lining. The primary component of ambergris is ambrein, a fatty substance which can be isolated from ambergris through chemical treatment.

Lumps of ambergris vary widely in size, with large specimens sometimes having chunks of other biological material inside, such as large bones from animals that the whale has eaten. These chunks have historically been prized when they appear on seashores or are found floating in the ocean. Whale hunters also collect ambergris directly, by extracting it from the intestines of freshly killed whales.

Because ambergris is so valuable, some people refer to it as “floating gold” or “whale's pearl.” It is not as widely used in perfumes as it once was, thanks to the development of synthetics which can serve a similar function, but high-end perfumes continue to use it. As a fixative, it helps to slow the natural evaporation of the perfume. It also lends a unique and distinct scent which is an active component in the perfume. Vintage brooches and beads carved from ambergris can also be found, often in museums.

Share
All Things Nature is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a All Things Nature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
By anon50816 — On Nov 01, 2009

it is illegal to trade in many countries, being a whale product and the site should reflect this conservation measure, instead of encouraging people to trade in the product.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.allthingsnature.org/what-is-ambergris.htm
Copy this link
All Things Nature, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

All Things Nature, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.