Ambergris, often called “floating gold,” is a highly valued, waxy substance originating in the digestive system of the sperm whale. It forms around indigestible parts of the whale’s diet, primarily squid and cuttlefish beaks, and is eventually expelled into the ocean. Once excreted, it floats and cures in seawater, transforming its odor from a marine scent to a sweet, earthy, and musky fragrance. This unique aroma and its fixative properties, which help perfume scents last longer, have made ambergris a prized ingredient in high-end perfumery for centuries. Finding this rare material can be lucrative, but verifying and legally selling the find requires careful attention to jurisdiction.
Verifying Your Find
The initial step is to accurately determine if the substance is indeed ambergris, as many materials like hardened fat, tallow, or wax can look similar. Genuine ambergris is a waxy substance varying in color from black to gray to pale white. It often has a dull appearance and a layered or granular internal texture. A defining characteristic is its surprisingly light weight relative to its volume; a soft piece should yield slightly if pressed with a fingernail.
The most reliable field test involves heating a needle until it is red-hot and gently pressing it against the surface. If the material is ambergris, the heated area should instantly melt into a glossy, sticky, dark liquid, releasing a pleasant, musky fragrance. If the substance burns, crumbles, or fails to melt into a viscous liquid, it is likely something else, such as hardened fat or paraffin. The change in smell is especially telling: fresh ambergris has a strong, unpleasant odor, while valuable, aged pieces exhibit the complex, lingering scent sought after by collectors.
Understanding Legal Restrictions
Before attempting to sell or transport your find, understand the specific laws governing ambergris in your country, as its legality is highly variable. The sperm whale, the source of ambergris, is protected globally, creating legal distinctions regarding its byproducts. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) generally treats naturally excreted ambergris as a waste product, meaning it is not subject to CITES regulations.
This CITES interpretation allows countries like the United Kingdom, France, New Zealand, and European Union nations to permit the legal possession and sale of beach-found ambergris. However, the legal situation is different in the United States, where trade is prohibited under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. In the U.S., possession or sale is generally illegal. Authorities like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) advise that finds should be reported to the appropriate stranding network coordinator.
Determining Market Value and Finding a Buyer
Assuming your find is verified and legal to sell, its market value is determined by its age, color, and odor profile. The most valuable pieces have cured for the longest time, resulting in a pale gray or pure white color and a hardened, brittle texture. These pieces possess the most refined, musky scent. Darker colors, such as black or soft-black, indicate a fresher, less-cured state, which translates to a lower price per gram.
Pricing is done by weight, typically in grams. While reports of mythological values exist, the finder can expect a procurement price based on quality. The market for ambergris is highly specialized, so selling it on general marketplaces is inefficient. The most effective method is to contact specialized ambergris brokers, international purveyors, or high-end fragrance houses. These buyers, often based in Europe or the Middle East, have the expertise to appraise and purchase the material for the perfume industry. They can provide a professional appraisal and ensure the transaction complies with all trade laws.