In 2021, Yemeni fishermen hauled in a strange, foul-smelling lump from the sea—127 kilograms of a waxy substance later identified as ambergris, valued at $1.5 million. This rare oceanic material, expelled by sperm whales and often called “floating gold,” has mystified and enriched humans for centuries. From medieval medicine to modern perfume, ambergris has traveled a remarkable path, washed ashore by nature and collected in secrecy.
Born in the Belly of Giants
Ambergris forms in the intestines of sperm whales, likely as a reaction to indigestible squid beaks. It is excreted like feces or possibly vomited, though the exact process remains debated. Only about one percent of sperm whales are believed to produce ambergris, making it exceptionally rare. Once in the ocean, it floats for years, gradually hardening and transforming from a foul-smelling mass to a valuable aromatic substance.
From Sea Stench to Scented Luxury
Aged ambergris emits a complex, sweet, and earthy scent that can fix the volatile elements in perfumes, helping them last longer. This made it a prized ingredient in perfumery for centuries, though synthetic ambroxide now largely replaces it. King Charles II reportedly enjoyed it in scrambled eggs. It flavored Turkish coffee, 18th-century European hot chocolate, and even cocktails.
Found, Not Hunted
Ambergris is not harvested by killing whales. It is found floating or washed ashore. Still, some countries, including the United States and India, ban its trade due to strict anti-whaling laws. Others, like the UK and France, allow regulated commerce. Despite being whale waste, ambergris is not listed under CITES and is exempt from its restrictions if naturally excreted.
A Substance of Many Names
Ambergris has appeared throughout history under various names—”grey amber” in Old French, “dragon’s spittle fragrance” in ancient China, and even as incense in ancient Egypt. During the Black Death, Europeans believed ambergris could ward off plague by masking foul air. In the Middle Ages, it was prescribed for ailments ranging from headaches to epilepsy.
Today, ambergris remains a rare treasure. Lumps have been discovered from South Africa to the Maldives, but none guaranteed. Its unpredictable appearance and murky legal status add to its mystique, as collectors and beachcombers still hope to stumble upon a fortune floating in the sea.
In 2021, fishermen off Yemen pulled from the sea a strange, waxy lump weighing 127 kilograms.
It smelled foul, but it turned out to be ambergris—rare whale excretion worth $1.5 million.
Long prized in perfume and food, ambergris has a bizarre origin and complex legal status.. pic.twitter.com/nVY8qj5Og1
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) July 23, 2025