How Much For That Whale Vomit?

photo credit: Adam Partridge Auctions

Seriously, there’s whale vomit for sale and it’s really valuable.

A man was walking his dog along a Welsh beach earlier this year and the two discovered a 1kg lump of ambergris – which is either vomited up or pooped out by a sperm whale.

Yep.

The substance, which looks like a rock, is very rare and is used to make high end perfumes.

What did the gentleman do next when he discovered this rare find?

Find out if he can sell it, of course.

Oliver Hancock – of Adam Partridge Auctioneers – which is handling the sale – told Antiques Trade Gazette: “The vendor was walking his dog on a beach in Anglesey when he came across it.

“He thought it might have some value and got in touch with us.”

photo:Adam Partridge Auctions

Auctioneer Adam Partridge said this was a very rare chunk of ambergris and he’s never seen a piece like this one. It’s estimate it will fetch between £5,000 and £7,000 ($8,000 to $10,000).

Ambergris is formed in sperm whales’ guts to protect them from the sharp beaks of giant squid they feast on.

Its sale is illegal in most countries – including the U.S. But this piece was found washed ashore naturally and could have been floating around the ocean for years.

h/t: Daily Star