ABOUT AMBERGRIS
We supply the finest quality Ambergris collected from beaches across the Horn of Africa, the Caribbean & Asia, ideal for use in perfumery, incense and culinary applications. All of our Ambergris is tested for authenticity and quality. Shop online today or contact us if you have some Ambergris that you wish to sell.
What Is Ambergris?
Ambergris is a solid, waxy substance formed in the intestines of the Sperm Whale. It has been collected and used by people from all over the world for thousands of years buts it’s only fairly recently that scientists have been able to better understand what it is and where it’s from.
It’s believed that Ambergris is produced by the whale to help with the passage of hard or sharp objects that the whale eats but are not digested. Sperm Whales staple diet includes the giant squid and the squids beak is particularly difficult to digest. The beak is made from Chitin which is also found in the exoskeletons of insects, fish scales and crustaceans such as crabs, lobsters and shrimps. When chitin is combined with calcium carbonate it becomes very strong and pretty much indigestible. As well as being extremely hard, squid beaks are also very sharp so by coating them in Ambergris, the whale is able to pass them naturally without damaging their insides.
Lumps of Ambergris are eventually discharged from the whales bowels along with other bodily waste. It it theorised that if a lump becomes too big to pass through the bowels, the whale may vomit the Ambergris instead, hence why it is often referred to a Whale Poo or Whale Vomit.
Ambergris Collection
Once it leaves the whale it floats on the surface of the ocean eventually washing up on beaches all around the world.
Ambergris can float at sea for many years during which it cures and it’s this process that refines the Ambergris. The longer it spends at sea, the better quality it is.
Ambergris is collected from beaches around the world. Our team of intrepid Ambergris Hunters search the coastline around the Horn Of Africa, collecting and sorting Ambergris. Identifying Ambergris is not always easy as its appearance can vary due to its age. With knowledge and experience, we are able to recognise true lumps of Ambergris from the many impostors. We then send it to one of a number of laboratories for testing and to gauge its purity.
Ambergris Uses
Ambergris has been used in the creation of perfumes and incense for many thousands of years in many cultures. It was used across Europe in the Middle Ages as a medication to treat a variety of ailments including headaches and colds and it was even believed that carrying ambergris could help prevent catching the plague.
Ambergris has also been used as an aphrodisiac, as a flavouring in foods and even as an ingredient in cocktails. Today Ambergris is primarily used in perfumery and whilst there are modern day synthetic alternatives, many experts believe they are not as good as the real thing.
Hunting Whales
Neolithic era cave paintings tell us that whales have been hunted by man for many thousands of years and hunting whales for food and oil is an important part of Inuit culture. Extensive commercial whale hunting really started during the 17th century, with the Dutch, Germans, Norwegian, British, Canadians, Americans and other northern European countries dominating the industry. Russia and Japan soon joined in as the industry grew. Factory ships introduced in the early 20th century saw the numbers of whales being killed each year rise to over 50,000.
In 1986 the International Whaling Commission (IWC) banned commercial whaling as many species neared extinction. Despite this ban a number of countries have continued to hunt whales on a smaller scale.
Over the years there has been much debate as to whether or not Ambergris collection, trade and use should be legal. Most nations around the world, including across the EU, recognise Ambergris as a waste product that is collected from beaches, causing no harm to or contact with whales.
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Testimonials
I have purchased White Ambergris from Ambergris Hunter to make incense, essential oils and perfumes and it is always fantastic. I have bought Ambergris before from a few sources and this is definitely the best I have seen. The service is always great, I pay online and it arrives very quickly by post. I will be buying more from you and thoroughly recommend your Ambergris and your service.
I have now bought a few pieces of white ambergris and grey ambergris from the Ambergris Hunter. It is very good quality and I have used it to make my own perfumes. I can recommend the quality of the Ambergris and the service. I bought a few small pieces on the website and a larger piece by calling and negotiating a very good price. Thank you for your help and I look forward to next time.