Slashdot Mirror
The Vomit Worth Millions?
ozmanjusri writes "ABC is reporting that a family in Australia recently found a large lump of ambergris, which they believe may be worth millions. It is a fascinating material, created by a sperm whale's intestine in response to irritation, probably caused by the undigested beaks of squid. The waxy mass is coughed out by the whale during a belch which is reported to be audible kilometers away, and is a putrid stinking mass. Floating in salt water and exposure to sunlight for ten years or more matures the waxy blob into a grey, sweet smelling solid which is used as a base for perfumes. Although the family may be able to sell the ambergris, it cannot be used in Australia or the US, since both countries are signatories to the Washington Treaty, which bans the trade of musk deer and whale products for perfume."
But still not bad for a random walk on the beach. An article I read states that the material is worth around 17 Euro/gramm. The lump was around 15 Kg, which made the couple a smooth 240.000 Euros.
The grass is always greener on the other side of the light cone.
...I believe they'd have to give it to the Queen. Whales and their, err, byproducts, are subject to Crown privilege, as are a number of other animals and fish. It's a handy way to prevent trade in endangered species, even though it originates from making sure that the Crown is always richer than everyone else, because fortunately enough, what was considered rare enough to put under it originally are species which are threatened today.