Sought after for use in perfumes and medicines, ambergris or grey amber is a waxy, solid and inflammable substance produced in the intestines of the sperm whale. According to Ambergris Connect, it is formed when whales produce a fatty, cholesterol-rich substance which acts as a defence and coats or surrounds the indigestible parts of the sperm whale’s prey, such as the beaks of squid, so that they are able to pass through the whale’s four stomachs without causing much damage to the intestinal walls. The waxy substance is then eventually expelled into the sea.

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According to the Natural History Museum (NHM), “there are conflicting opinions about how ambergris emerges from the whale. Some believe that the whale regurgitates the mass, earning it its well-known nickname 'whale vomit'.” While some state that the whale secretes the mass, others believe that the substance grows so large that it eventually “fatally ruptures the whale’s rectum”. This is counted among the strangest natural phenomena and why the substance is found floating in the sea is still a matter of discussion among experts.

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As per Ambergris Connect, the substance can sometimes be over 100 kgs in weight and can be any shape, although it is more common to find egg shaped pieces which weigh between 100g and 1kg on average. As sperm whales live all over the world, Ambergris deposits can be found at sea or on coastal shorelines at most of the places.

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Ambergris is also referred to as the ‘floating gold’ as it is one of the most sought-after substances used in the manufacture of perfumes. According to NHM, Amberin, an odourless alocohol, is extracted from ambergris, which is then used to make a perfume’s scent last longer. The quality is defined according to the colour and pure white varieties or lighter shades are preferred for making finest perfumes. The sale of ambergris is prohibited in India as sperm whale, an endangered species, is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

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Harshad Karve, marine biologist from the state Mangroves Cell, told Mid-day, “Out of the whole population of sperm whales, only one or two per cent produce ambergris. In ancient times, ambergris was used as food but now the demand is very high in the perfume industry. Pure ambergris floats on the surface and after some time, it washes ashore. Anyone who has knowledge about it can get it but it is very rare.” In November, the Mumbai police arrested a pharmacist in Aarey for selling ambergris worth Rs 15 crore. Similar incidents of illegal trading of ambergris worth crores took place in June, July, September and December.

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