Ambergris Whale Vomit: Why Is Whale Vomit So Expensive?

Ambergris

How do you feel when someone vomits in front of you? Unpleasant right? Even you will not like to see the person while vomiting. But what about whale vomit?   Ambergris or whale vomit is a waxy, solid and inflammable substance produced by the intestines of the sperm whale. If it is vomit so, why is whale vomit so expensive?  Here we will answer the following extraordinary questions. 

1.. Why Is Whale Vomit So Expensive? 

2. Chemistry of Ambergris.

3. What is the whale vomit used for? 

4. Whale vomit price per Kg.

1. Why Is Whale Vomit So Expensive? 

Whale vomit or ambergris is only produced by the digestive system of sperm whales. This is so expensive because ambergris contains a special molecule called ambrein. Fresh ambrein smells very bad and it is like stool. But with the passage of time, it acquires a sweet aroma and is used by perfumes industries. 

Perfumes manufacturing industries use ambrein to make the scent last longer. But the problem is that ambergris or whale vomit can't be obtained from living sperm whales. You can get this expensive product if you find it washed up. But you don’t find this expensive ambergris washed up very often. This is the reason whale vomit or ambergris is so expensive.

Whale vomit or ambergris has been called the floating gold and treasure of the sea.  Its expansiveness depends on the amount of ambrein molecule. Higher the amount of ambrein in ambergris more it will be expensive and vice versa. 

Whale vomit or ambergris occurs in different colors like black, brown, grey and white. Pure white varieties contain high amounts of ambrein. So, pure white varieties are most valuable for the perfume industry. And black-colored ambergris contains the least amount of ambrein so, this form of whale vomit is the least valuable. 

2. Chemistry of Ambergris

The organic compound ambergris has an Empirical formula C30H52O and a Molar mass: of 428.73 g/mol. It has a melting point of  82–83 ºC and is Insoluble in water.

3. What is the whale vomit used for? 

Whale vomit or ambergris is used in medicines, potions and as a spice in Eastern cultures. In western culture, ambergris is used to stabilize the scent of perfumes. 

4. Whale vomit price per Kg.

The price of ambergris varies depending on where it comes from, how much is being sold, and what type of ambergris it is. A single gram of fresh ambergris sells for about $50-$100, while a kilogram (about 2 pounds) of dry ambergris goes for around $500-$1000. Fresh ambergris is considered to have the highest quality, followed by dry ambergris, then frozen ambergris.