Found on the beachThe identity of a strange lump

On a beach in Melbourne, Florida.
While taking a walk, Christine Marvin spotted
a strange object half-buried in the sand.

When she picked it upIt felt different than expected

At first, she thought it was a piece of plastic washed in from the sea,
but its smooth, wax-like texture made her wonder if it could be ambergris.

Press the lump to reveal what it is

[Ambergris]
A rare perfume ingredient derived from sperm whales

Ambergris found in Thailand. Stock photo unrelated to the article. Source: YouTube screenshot

Marvin also found ambergris twice in 2024. This is her third discovery.

AI-generated underwater background with sunlight filtering through

AI-generated image.

How isambergris formed?

Ambergris forms in the intestines of sperm whales. Indigestible material, including the hard beaks of squid they eat, is believed to play a role in its formation.

Squid beaksThe hard beaks of the squid sperm whales eat are linked to ambergris formation.

Extremely rare formationOnly a small proportion of sperm whales produce ambergris.

A risk to the whaleIf it remains in the intestine for too long and grows too large, it may threaten the sperm whale's life.

After it leaves the whale's bodyAmbergris changes in the sea

Ambergris drifts through the sea, exposed to sunlight and seawater.
It is initially black and has a strong odor, but changes over time.

Just expelled

It is black and has a foul odor.

After spending time at sea

Exposure to sunlight and saltgradually hardens it.

After a long time

It turns closer to whiteand begins to smell pleasant.

Sometimes over 10 million won per ounceWhy this small lump is so expensive

Ambergris is rarely found, which makes it highly valuable.
Reports have cited prices exceeding 10 million won for one ounce (about 28 grams).

$10,000

Ambergris · highest asking price

$4,000

Gold · comparison price

However, its actual value varies widely depending on its size, condition, and quality.

Note: These are examples cited in news reports, not actual transaction prices or fixed market rates.

AI-generated background of a sea view with golden sunlight and curtains

AI-generated image.

Another reason for its high valueIts hidden role in perfume

Ambergris has a distinctive scent and also helps other fragrances last longer.
That is why it has been used as a perfume ingredient for centuries.

However, because it is difficult to obtain and its use is restricted,
synthetic fragrances that serve a similar purpose are widely used today.

Could the lump Marvin foundalso have been ambergris?

Marvin took the lump home and examined it using two methods.

It did not sink when placed in water;
it floated on the surface

When she touched it with a heated needle,
white smoke rose

These reactions alone are not enough to confirm that it is ambergris. Expert examination is needed for an accurate identification.

Even for a rare substance,possession and sale are restricted

Possession and sale of ambergris are restricted in the United States.
Marvin also reported her discovery to the relevant authorities.

↓Picking it up

▣Keeping it

$Selling it

What happened next
to the lump Marvin found?

One of the pieces she found was given to a local whale conservation group.
The group is consulting with federal authorities about the relevant procedures.

A treasure hidden by the sea,a story more valuable than the find

“Its true value is not money,
but the story it holds”

Marvin hopes to use the ambergris as an educational resource for children.
Rather than seeing it only in a photograph, she hopes they can see it with their own eyes, smell it,
and experience the stories of the sea and whales it holds.