DetectingWales.com

 Walkers hope ‘floating gold’ will net them a fortune

TWO walkers are crossing their fingers after finding 110lb of valuable ambergis on a North Wales beach. Sean Kane, 24, from Penrhyndeudraeth and Ian Foster, 39, from Trawsfynydd were walking one of their dogs across the beach at Criccieth when they noticed the substance known as “floating gold”.

Ambergris is originally whale vomit which, over time, turns into a sweet-smelling waxy substance traditionally highly prized for making perfume and musk.

The men hope the find will be worth £550,000 – although that may be optimistic – ambergris has been largely superseded now by synthetic versions and it’s not always easy to find anyone to buy it.

Sean said: “We just came across this white, like waxy lump. I said to Ian: ‘It looks a bit like whale sick. He had never heard of anything like it.”

Ambergris is rarely recovered on British shores – it is usually found on the coasts of the United States and Australia. In July and August of last year there were a number of stories of people who found the pungent treasure near Llandrillo yn Rhos and Shell Island and Bennar near Harlech.

The solidified remnants of sperm whale vomit is released when the animal is ill at sea.

Although clear in appearance it turns darker over a period of months. It currently sells at about £10 a gram, which is the same price as 18 karat gold!

Neil, very interesting but GROSS!
Well worth the money though  :)

Wow £10 pounds a gram  :o

Where do you buy a whale vomit Detector ?  ;D

Here is some more info:-

Ambergris is an excretion from the Sperm Whale. It is found floating on the oceans or collected from the shores of many countries around the world. Ambergris is formed in the intestines of the sperm whale in response, it is thought, to irritation caused to the stomach lining of the whale from the sharp,indigestible, parrot-like beaks of squid. The squid is a staple part of the sperm whale diet. Even today, much of the life and times of the sperm whale remains a mystery as they live and feed in the deepest depths of the ocean.

Ambergris has been prized for centuries for its peculiar qualities. It has been used in the perfume industry as a fixative for fine perfumes, for medicinal purposes and as an aphrodisiac. Some people swear by the sensual effects created by rubbing a piece of ambergris on the skin. Ambergris releases pheromones making it a true aphrodisiac, a property which has lead to the mystery and sensuality surrounding the product. Ambergris has also been used to enhance the flavours of food and drink and for herbal and homeopathic remedies.

  Ambergris has an unusual odour which is difficult to explain to anyone who has never had the pleasure of its sensual aroma. Ambergris is often described as being musky and having a sweet earthy aroma unlike any other, or a mossy fragrance reminiscent of the damp forest floor. Depending on the quality of the ambergris there can be a great variation in the fragrance. Low quality or fresh ambergris can smell like scented cow dung. Many people expect ambergris to have a very strong or foul odour, but this is not the case. In general, lighter coloured pieces of ambergris have a subtle, pleasant smell. The base animal (manure) odour fades as the ambergris cures. However, the white and grey varieties, in particular, can possess the subtle, sweet addictive aroma.


ORDOVIC

thats why this site is the best,the amount of information the members share is great you wouldn't find it on any where else brilliant  viv