Tuesday, January 24, 2006

Whale puke worh $1 Million bucks

From ABC News Online:

Ambergris_27A family on South Australia's west coast has discovered a rare specimen of whale vomit on the beach that is tipped to be worth over $1 million.   The specimen, known scientifically as ambergris, is sought after by perfume companies and worth about $US20 per gram. n The sample found on a beach near Streaky Bay weighs 14.75 kilograms.
Ken Jury, who is representing the family, says this is the first discovery of ambergris in South Australia.
He says the last specimen found in Australia was in Queensland.
"Two small pieces were found that I would suggest together would make up half the size of the one that's been found at Streaky Bay, and they realised something like $190,000 each," he said.

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More on ambergris from ambergris.com:

 Ambergris is an excretion from the Sperm Whale. It is found floating on the oceans or collected from the shores of many countries around the world. Ambergris is formed in the intestines of the sperm whale in response, it is thought, to irritation caused to the stomach lining of the whale from the sharp,indigestible, parrot-like beaks of squid. The squid is a staple part of the sperm whale diet. Even today, much of the life and times of the sperm whale remains a mystery as they live and feed in the deepest depths of the ocean.

 Ambergris has been prized for centuries for its peculiar qualities. It has been used in the perfume industry as a fixative for fine perfumes, for medicinal purposes and as an aphrodisiac. Some people swear by the sensual effects created by rubbing a piece of ambergris on the skin. Ambergris releases pheromones making it a true aphrodisiac, a property which has lead to the mystery and sensuality surrounding the product. Ambergris has also been used to enhance the flavours of food and wine and for herbal and homeopathic remedies.

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2 comments:

Anonymous said...

spicifically which perfumes use whale puke?

Anonymous said...

Any buyers? just e-mail me. cactus_dune@yahoo.com