The Truth About the Huge Demand for Whale Vomit

What’s the real reason Ambergris is so expensive? Find out in this video! Subscribe to Enterprises Explained:    / @enterprisesexplained   What is Ambergris? The reason why this thing that comes out of a whale is so expensive, is because it contains Ambergris. Well, what exactly IS it? Ambergris, also known as grey amber, is a waxy, flammable solid. Uses The price of this substance has only increased because of its benefits and various uses. Ambergris is soluble in many substances such as alcohol, chloroform, as well as volatile and stable oils. This is the reason why it’s usually used in fragrances and other scents. Production So how exactly is it made? Ambergris is formed from the secretions of the bile duct in the intestine of a whale. But it doesn't happen in all whales, it only happens in male sperm whales. Ambergris Types Experts classify ambergris in different ways. The most common method is to classify them according to color. White ambergris is the most valuable, the purest, and the oldest. Ambergris Appearance Ambergris is sometimes called “fool's gold”. This is because a lot of people THINK they found ambergris. But most of the time this isn’t the case. People go to experts with these pieces but they find out that it’s nothing but wax, rocks, or the remains of fossilized animals. Ambergris Test So how would you do if you ever come across ambergris? There’s an infamous test called the "needle test". It’s done by inserting a hot needle into the material to see if it will turn into a tar-like liquid. Legal Status Ambergris isn’t easy to get, it isn’t easy to sell, and it certainly isn’t easy to keep. It’s technically illegal to own it or trade it in the US, but that certainly doesn’t stop some people from getting their hands on it.