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. 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). 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. After floating in the ocean sometimes for decades 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. Depending on the quality of the ambergris there can be a great variation in the fragrance.
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