Between land and sea
You may see me
Or see me not
like a stone not turned
Hot knife to my skin
Am I beyond your wildest dreams?
First I am black, then I am white
But by name I am other colours
First I am not wanted, then I am wanted
I am like a pearl, but not a pearl
I am seen, but never heard
My two-tone treasure
May fix your sensory pleasure
The answer is Ambergris.
Let me explain my clues.....
A valuable substance secreted by the sperm whale, now believed to be a gastrointestinal mucus, that coats the sharp beaks of its main prey which is squid. This protects the whale from internal damage as the beaks pass through its digestive system and is analogous to the creation of pearls by oysters. Originally it was thought that the whales vomited ambergris, but more recent studies indicate it is probably discarded with faecal matter. It floats on the sea and when fresh it is black eventually turning to white after many years of exposure to saltwater and sunlight. It remains lighter than water and will eventually wash upon beaches around the world in almost every location. On shores ambergris may appear like stones, particularly when they are mid-staged in colour. This is where you may see it, but not ‘see it’. To test it before being sent off for grading, either a hot knife or pin is held down on the surface. If it sinks like candle wax, it is probably ambergris, otherwise just a stone or some weathered wood. The name derives from the colours amber and grey. This is the reference to two tone – amber-gris. Being faecal matter, it is not wanted by the whale but has valuable properties in the perfume industry – it is so valuable it can fetch $100,000 per kilo for the purest samples. This is beyond the wildest dream of your average beachcomber. Houses have even been purchased from its proceeds. Just a few grammes can preserve (“fix”) the scent of large quantities of perfume – essential if you are charging top dollar. Some states ban the collection or sale of ambergris – on the basis it is exploiting animal life. Other states say it’s just waste matter so will allow its sale or trade so long as found and not extracted. The reference to ‘Heard’ was Amber Heard, ie ambergris is seen on the seashore but does not make a sound. It is not heard, and it certainly is not Amber Heard. It’s Ambergris!
Hopefully not too obscure and a bit of fun!
Now, if you want to start 2025 with something that is animal, vegetable and mineral, call on me for another round....
Happy New Year folks!