A large sperm whale washed up dead on a beach in the Canary Islands recently. During the autopsy, conducted by Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to determine the reason for passing, a rock was discovered inside the whale’s intestine. The rock, however, was not just any rock – it turned out to be a 9.5kg lump of ambergris.
Ambergris is a very rare substance commonly referred to as floating gold and in this case, it was estimated to be around £430,000. It is a natural body defence produced in sperm whales when objects, such as squid beaks and other sharp objects they ingest, remain in the intestines and over the years binds together to form ambergris their intestines.
The substance is highly coveted by perfumers as it can be used to enhance the life of scents. Although the trade in Ambergris is illegal in many countries the university plans to donate the proceeds from the sale to the victims of the Island’s 2021 volcano eruption once they have found a buyer.
In Herman Melville’s story Moby-Dick, the novelist dedicates an entire chapter to ambergris, which he describes as “soft, waxy, and so highly fragrant and spicy, that it is largely used in perfumery … Who would think, then, that such fine ladies and gentlemen should regale themselves with an essence found in the inglorious bowels of a sick whale! Yet so it is!”
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