A dog walker strolling on a beach in the UK was able to find an exquisite chunk of whale vomit on the shore. The discovered specimen, which is believed to have been floating on the ocean for decades, is said to be worth approximately $10,000 in auction.
The vomit is said to be an ambergris, which is a lustrous substance that looks like a rock. This specimen is made inside the intestines of sperm whales and measures about eight by six inches in length and 1.1 kilograms or 2.43 pounds in weight. Through this substance, sperm whales are protected from the indigestible and sharp parrot-like beaks of squids, which the mammals commonly ingest for food.
The reason why such type of vomit comes with an extremely luxurious price is because it is used to make the scent of perfumes long-lasting. In the past, ambergris was sold in private to perfume companies.
Ambergris was also believed to be an aphrodisiac, with some people claiming that it has sensual effects when rubbed onto the skin. The vomitus was also thought to enhance food and wine flavors in the past.
When the man saw the object, he just could not leave it, says Chris Surfleet, a senior valuer and auctioneer, who was contacted by the ambergris holder. The man then took it home and performed some research. He later thought about the possibility that it was an ambergris, which he knew had some significant value, so he consulted the office of Surfleet. True enough, the expert confirmed that it was indeed an ambergris, 100 percent.
Selling or buying ambergris is much like how gold is traded - it is valued per gram.
These types of items have garnered much interest recently, says Surfleet. Although they have sold rare jewelry items before, nothing was more unique than the whale vomit.
Many nations prohibit the trading of ambergris; however, when it is discovered washed up, the person who finds it, may own it.
In 2014, another person in Anglesey initially believed that he discovered an ambergris only to find out later that it was only some type of rubber.
Photo: Peter Kaminski | Flickr
