Ambergris

[Richard5]

Have any of you come across Ambergris on your travels upon the waters or beaches?

Once when onthe eastern edge of the N Pac High I thought I had for I had a strong scent of pungent yet strangely sweet smell which I have heard is the telltale.

I have heard the stuff is worth a vast some of money to the perfumers. something on the order of $xxxx/oz.

[DeepFrz]

Ambergris, Treasure of the Deep - Businessweek

Ambergris, a waxy excretion formed in the intestines of sperm whales (thanks to their inability to digest squid beaks), is one of the most sought-after substances in the world. Ambergris sells for roughly $20 a gram, gold for $30.

[bobconnie]

I saw some of it when I was a Younger! My Uncle worked in a whale rendering plant in Fields Landing CA. they were cutting up a couple of sperm whales, and retrived a big bit of it !! as I remember it did not smell sweet !!LOL but that may have been the genral smell of rendering whale blubber!! remember I was about 6 yrs old at the time !! thats a long time ago !!LOL