A rare lump of vomit secreted from the intestine of a sperm whale is sought-after by perfumers. Photo / iStock.
A rare lump of vomit secreted from the intestine of a sperm whale is sought-after by perfumers. Photo / iStock.
Eau de whale intestine may not sound too alluring.
But a rare lump of vomit secreted from the intestine of a sperm whale is so sought-after by perfumers that it could fetch a five-figure sum at auction in Macclesfield, Cheshire, later this month.
Also known as ambergris or "floating gold",the grey, waxy substance consists largely of undigested squid beaks and is used as a "fixative" in high-end perfumes, sealing in fragrances.
The lump, weighing nearly a kilo, was found on the Welsh island of Anglesey by a dog and his owner, who remembered hearing about the valuable material on TV.
It is now being held under lock and key by Adam Partridge Auctioneers, with a conservative guide price of around $12,000 to $17,000.
