El ambergris or whale vomit It is a substance that may seem unpleasant. At first glance it is, since it looks like a piece of sedimented rock with colors that are not at all pleasant. For the uninitiated, it is an object that may not have value, but for people who are experts and recognize it, it is a substance that can achieve great value on the market. We will analyze what whale vomit or ambergris is and what uses it has.
Finding a piece of vomit whale floating in the sea It may seem like “garbage”. But experts in the field and even the fishermen themselves know that this substance reaches report thousands of dollars in the market. Why is ambergris so appreciated?
What is whale vomit or ambergris?
Whale vomit or also known as ambergris, as it is actually known, as a vomit or substance released by a sperm whale, a marine cetacean (Physeter macrocephalus). Only some sperm whales, particularly males, produce this whale vomit that contains special substances.
These animals They feed on squid and fish, but in many cases it is difficult for them to digest the annoying beaks of the squid, secreting the ambrein to encapsulate the peaks so that they do not tear during digestion.
Within said digestion, it is done a mix of ambrein, the spikes and a substance called epicoprostanol. Since the body cannot assimilate it, said mass is expelled. through feces or vomit. This waste can remain floating in the sea for days, acquiring another color and odors characteristic of the ocean.
What is ambergris used for?
This substance It is a raw material of the chemical industry, especially perfume. It has a curious property, ambrein, since it is capable of making the oils of the perfumes set and evaporate more slowly. That is, it allows the aroma of perfumes to last much longer. In ancient times, its main purpose was for medicinal and flavoring purposes and also the production of perfumes.
This amber too is known as amber o ambergis, is a solid, creamy substance that does not particularly have a special smell for cosmetics. But as we have reviewed, it contains a special component to be used in cosmetics. For this amber to be formed, the vomit or waxy mass must solidify over time and become softer. It is a process where it has been exposed to water, light and air.
Nowadays there are alternatives to this raw material, since it is scarce to be found. Obviously we are talking about chemicals that can replace it. The results are similar, but it does not create the same effect. We talk about ambrox, a substitute that is widely used in perfume making. You can also learn more about women's perfumes that leave a mark.
Why is ambergris so coveted?
This substance is coveted by cosmetics and perfume creators, as it has incredible properties to preserve their products and extend the life of the perfume. However, said amber It is very difficult to find, since it could be a chance encounter by a fisherman on the high seas. This substance can be found either because it has been expelled. It is a phenomenon that is particularly unusual, or because there has been the death of a sperm whale.
From the beginning of the 17th century to the end of the 20th century, Sperm whales were captured indiscriminately. Spermaceti, some oils and ambergris were obtained. But such intensive hunting has its price, since the number of sperm whales was substantially reduced, subsequently being designated as a vulnerable species by the IUCN.
This amber has also been used for centuries., as it was used as an aphrodisiac in the Middle East, a delicacy in China, an ingredient in traditional medicine, or even in religious ceremonies. Today, it is mostly used in the perfume industry. If you're interested in learning about diversity around the world, you can explore the types of whales.
This whale vomit has come to be nicknamed the “Floating gold.” Since its scarcity has made it so sought-after and valuable that it comes with outrageous prices. It can be found in sizes scattered in the sea, from those weighing 15 grams or others that have reached up to 635 kilos. In the market they have paid up to 71.000 dollars for a kilo of this appreciated substance. And it may happen that one day walking along the beach, you come across a kilo of something that looks like garbage and is actually a highly coveted material. Given its value, it really is as if you had won the lottery.
In the market the figure of 10 US dollars per gram, but it will depend on the solidification and composition of its materials. In the United States, the purchase or sale of ambergris is prohibited. Even if it is recovered accidentally, they consider it a violation of the Endangered Species Act. Some countries like China have been used for other types of functions, such as a powerful "aphrodisiac", something that remains between myth and what may become real, but due to certain rumors, its price is like that of gold.
It is worth mentioning that this ambergris It even had references in books and works of authors, such as in the book of "Moby-Dick." It is a substance that has also fascinated humanity since ancient times, since it reflected mystery, luxury and its mystery in the area that surrounded it. Herman Melville describes in his work:
«And as for the other whale, well, I am sure of getting more oil by slicing and distilling our three sticks than he will get from that bunch of bones; although, now that I think about it, perhaps it contains something worth much more than oil; yes, ambergris.» (Chapter XCI. Pequod meets Rosebud.
