Ambergris White Solide Parfum Naturel, an aphrodisiac Ambergris perfume for the Connoisseur of Ambre Gris... This highly anticipated addition to the collection of exclusive fragrances by Sharif Laroche comes as the perfect fall and winter fragrance - sensually warm and inviting, not feminine nor masculine, but intended for all, to be shared in unison. The essence encapsulated in the flacon is most seductive with natural pheromones within... beware of this highly concentrated potion... this is the Heart of Ambergris - enchanting, fiercely provocative and alluring.
WHAT IS AMBERGRIS
Ambergris (Ambre Gris, Grey Amber, Ambergrease, Ambra grisea) is an intestinal solid and flammable secretion produced by the male sperm whale. Giant squid, the favorite diet of sperm whales, contains indigestible beaks which irritate the stomach lining of the whale, causing it to secrete the waxy substance which serves to protect the digestive system of the whale and facilitate an easier passing of these hard objects. The ancient Chinese called Ambergris 'Lung Sien Hiang' (Dragon's spittle), as it was a commonly believed myth, that ambergris originated from dragons who were sleeping by the ocean banks and in the process drooled lumps of ambergris. In fact, when this sticky mass is expelled from the sperm whale, it is not as vomit, which is the common misconception, but as waste. Ambergris float is found in different shapes and sizes, and can be as small as 1/2oz (14g) or larger than 100lbs (45kg). The largest that has been found was over 1000lbs, picked up by whalers in 1908 in Larvik, Norway. At that time, this huge float was sold at only 23,000 British pounds - it's true value over 200,000 pounds - but saved the struggling whaling company from bankruptcy.
WHAT DOES AMBERGRIS SMELL LIKE
Ambergris has an unusual odor 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. Fresh Ambergris can be found in two different types, black, sticky-soft and tar like, or as pale white soft lumps with black streaks. This precursor to matured ambergris has a strong fecal smell, the closest for comparison would be scented cow dung. Therefore, the common expectation is that ambergris is foul smelling, which is quite the contrary. After months, years or even decades in the ocean, the pungent odor will change beyond recognition because of photo-degradation and oxidation by sun and ocean water. It will harden, become crust-like and waxy, and take on a dark grey to black color. The pungent odor will change considerably and cure by becoming earthy, sweet, seaweed-seawater (marine) like, reminiscent of tobacco or musty old wood; animal musky with a peculiar sweet odor unique to ambergris. This peculiar sweet, rich earthy odor is sometimes compared to isopropyl alcohol without its stinging harshness, and it is also associated with the subtle sweet scent akin to babies' skin or the addictive oceanic misty-damp aroma that beach combing dreams are made of.
WHAT TYPES OF AMBERGRIS ARE THERE
Ambergris is found in different shades of white gray to black, and according to Jouhar (1991) there exists ten specific types of ambergris. The finest is pure white or silver grey, found in New Zealand, a golden and golden grey type can be found in North Africa and the Gulf of Aden. In Australia a pale yellow is common, a dark grey or black variety with golden striations is from the Azores. A dry and dark grey ambergris is found in the Persian Gulf, a dark reddish brown in Madagascar, whereas a hard black type can be found from all parts of the world.
WHAT IS THE VALUE OF AMBERGRIS
The market price of ambergris depends on the type. Did you know that the most aged and valuable white ambergris is sold at $30/gram, whereas darker and less oxidized ambergris is offered at $10/gram? Fresh sticky blackened ambergris washed ashore is useless and cannot be sold, and is best thrown back into the ocean to give it a chance to cure and become valuable.
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