Ambergris Products

Ambergris is a waxy substance which forms naturally in the intestines of sperm whales. The world is directly taken from Old English, and it is French in origin. In Old French, ambre is "amber," while gris refers to the color gray. It is also sometimes called ambra grisea, ambergrease, or gray amber, and it is quite valuable. Humans have been using ambergris for centuries, typically as a fixative in perfumes, although it has other uses as well. Pure ambergris can sometimes be found for sale, although it is more common as a product component, and it also periodically washes ashore on beaches around the world.

When ambergris is fresh, it is almost black in color, and very soft. It also has a strong odor, which some people do not find enjoyable. After it has oxidized and weathered in the ocean, sometimes for a period of years, the ambergris turns into a hard gray to yellow mass with a sweet, earthy odor. In addition to being used in perfumes, hard masses of ambergris have also been carved into jewelry, and the substance has also been used as a spice, especially in Asia.