Ambergris

Ambergris Latest News

The Ahmedabad Rural Special Operations Group (SOG) recently seized 2.97 kg of ambergris, commonly known as sperm whale vomit, worth nearly ₹2.97 crore in the international market and arrested two people.

About Ambergris

• Ambergris, also known as ‘whale vomit’ is a solid, waxy substance produced in the digestive system of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus).
• It is extremely valuable and has been called the ‘treasure of the sea’ and ‘floating gold’.
• It is highly valued in the perfume industry as a fragrance enhancer. 
• It is also used in traditional medicines and sometimes even as a spice in eastern cultures.
• There is a ban on the possession and trade of ambergris in countries like the USA, Australia, and India.
• In India, the sale and trade of ambergris are strictly prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

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Ambergris Formation

• It is formed in the intestine of the whale to cover the indigestible objects from the animals on which it feeds (mostly the beaks of squid). 
• Once released, it initially floats on the ocean’s surface and is black and sticky. 
• Exposure to sun, air, and salt water oxidizes it, and eventually it becomes grey and waxy, often still embedded with small squid beaks. and losing its unpleasant odour.
• Ambergris is found in lumps of various shapes and sizes, ranging from 15 grams up to 420 kilograms.

Source: TH