What is ambergris?
Ambergris is also known as ambergris, ambal incense, and gray amber . It is a solid waxy substance produced in sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) and pygmy sperm whales (Kogia breviceps). However, this substance is only present in about 1-5% of whales, so it is not a common substance.
The formation process of ambergris in sperm whales. Some believe it forms in the intestines of whales to cover indigestible objects from the animals the whales eat. A common misconception is that ambergris is passed as feces, but whale poop is liquid and whales may have difficulty processing large pieces of solid material. Chunks of ambergris appear to accumulate in the whale's intestines throughout its life and are usually released when the whale dies. Initially it floats on the surface of the ocean, black and slimy. Exposure to sunlight, air, and salt water causes it to oxidize, eventually turning gray and waxy, often still with tiny squid mouths embedded in it. and loses its unpleasant odor.
Ambergris comes in blocks of various shapes and sizes, ranging in weight from 15 grams to 420 kilograms. Ambergris floats on the water and is sometimes found on beaches and shorelines. During the whaling era, ambergris was one of the many products obtained from sperm whales.
What are the uses of ambergris?
In the West, ambergris has long been used in the perfume and medical industries to eliminate the smell of perfume. In the 20th century, synthetic chemicals replaced ambergris, so it no longer held much value. But it is still valuable in perfumes as a fixative.
In Eastern cultures, ambergris is used in medicines and potions as well as spices
Ambergris test
The easiest way to confirm its identity is to heat a wire or needle in a flame and insert it into the sample to a depth of about a centimeter; if the substance is indeed ambergris, it will immediately melt into black A chocolate-colored opaque liquid. When the needle is withdrawn, the ambergris leaves a sticky residue on it.
Why is ambergris so expensive?
Its great value comes from its scarcity and use in perfume. The smell of ambergris can range from sweet to musky,
According to National Geographic, ambergris can be worth thousands of dollars per ounce if the person responsible for selecting the fragrance at the perfumery likes the smell.
It is also prized for an odorless alcohol called ambergris, which is often extracted from ambergris.
The key is the content of ambrein in ambergris, which is used to make the scent of perfume last longer. It can be judged by the color of the ambergris. The black ambergris has the least amount and the white one has the most. Top-quality perfumes are often made with white ambergris, while cheaper perfumes use alternative chemicals.
Although it is illegal to use the substance in perfume in the United States, ambergris remains a common ingredient in French perfumes.
Whales are now protected worldwide, but may still be at risk in the future.
Synthetic alternatives to ambergris do exist and their use should be encouraged as it prevents whales from being considered in any way a resource that humans can exploit.
