Many aspects of ambergris remain a mystery. Why is ambergris more commonly found in the southern hemisphere, though sperm whales range all the world's seas? Why is it only sperm whales—and particularly male sperm whales—that create it? How did ancient Middle Easterners decide to start using it for medicine, or decide that "eau de whale" would be a compelling fragrance?

Some, but not all, scent qualities of ambergris have been synthesized, so the original remains valuable. With sperm whale numbers down from the 1.1 million estimated prior to whaling to approximately 350,000 today, less ambergris floats on the seas. Still, Whitehead says the population is slowly recovering, and even though most findings turn out to be rocks or wax or other ocean detritus, beachcombers and fishermen continue to scour the sands and waves in hope of stumbling across a weathered chunk of this sea gold.

9 Comments

1. 1. suzanne berne 09:14 PM 8/21/08

   Who or where to check whether my find id ambergris. Thank you. sznnbrn@gmail.com

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2. 2. suzanne berne 09:15 PM 8/21/08

   Where to go to check whether my find is ambergris.

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3. 3. Kat 12:13 AM 9/17/08

   I would like to know if my find is true Ambergris and how can I sell it do you have an email address for Bernard Perrin ambergris expert or any other brokers buywers?

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4. 4. carlav 07:34 PM 8/4/09

   While vacationing in Galveston, Tx. a few years ago we stumbled upon these things lying on the beach there were 50 or so if not more they are hard like a rock grey in color and have a ridge on the top side of them they are shaped like a fat heart in a way with a ridge on them. can anyone tell me what these are.

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5. 5. bean in reply to suzanne berne 10:49 PM 12/3/09

   I have found a pound of what looks and smells like ambergris 10/2009 and want to know if you have any luck finding a buyer.
   If so, can I please have their name? Thanks so much!

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6. 6. JAY 09:04 AM 3/9/10

   I BELEIVE I HAVE A PEICE OF AMBERGRIS ABOUT INCH SQUARE HOW CAN I TELL

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7. 7. pam_ier 07:04 AM 7/27/10

   My cousin found an ambergris and he want a buyer. Can you look a buyer? This is his cellphone number..09291363146..Thank you! buddy_arnz1214@yahoo.com

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8. 8. anazashraf 04:21 AM 6/13/11

   my friend own 7.6 kg of amber, buyers can call me in +971551255784 or mail me in anazpanat@gmail.com

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9. 9. Blondezilla 11:07 AM 9/10/11

   I have a very large quantity of ambergris (musky marine tobacco smelling) which washed up on our beaches after a hurricane.... I need to know several things. Do I rinse and dry it? Where can I get it identified properly? Where might I sell it to interested parties? Thank you!

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