WHAT IS AMBERGRIS? HOW TO IDENTIFY IT?
Ambergris is a solid, waxy, flammable substance of a
dull grey or blackish colour produced in the digestive system of sperm whales. The word amber is derived from the Arabic word
"anbar".
Where do you find ambergris?
The
very small chance of finding ambergris and the legal ambiguity involved
led perfume makers away from ambergris. Ambergris can be found in
the Atlantic Ocean and on the coasts of South Africa, Brazil, Madagascar, the
East Indies, The Maldives, China, Japan, India, Australia, New Zealand, and the
Molucca Islands.
Ambergris has a very specific odour and this is the best and quickest way to identify it. The odour makes it possible not only to determine the age and quality but also to predict the evolution of the piece over time. To some people the odour is nauseous while to others it is attractive and even sensuous. There is certainly an animalic component, reminiscent of farm animals, or even a faecal note, perhaps like that of a well rotted manure heap. There can also be a strong marine note like the smell of seaweed on a beach. Once you have smelt it you will not forget it.
Over time, the odour becomes softer and more "perfumistic" whilst
still preserving its marked animal characteristics. Total
"refinement" takes 10 to 20 years or more but the animalic notes will
always be retained.
What does ambergris smell like?
Ambergris has an unusual odour 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. Poor quality or
fresh ambergris (which is black and sticky) is fairly offensive in fragrance.
If you can imagine scented cow dung you will be on the right track. Many people
expect ambergris to have a very strong or foul odour, but this is not the case.
In general, lighter coloured pieces of ambergris have a subtle, pleasant smell.
The base animal (manure) odour fades as the ambergris cures. However, the white
and grey varieties, in particular, possess the subtle, sweet addictive aroma
that beachcombing dreams are made of.
Test for ambergris
Try this simple 'do it yourself' test to check any unusual items you have found. It can not be relied on to provide a positive ID, unless you are thoroughly familiar with the required result. However, the test result may indicate whether it is worth pursuing the enquiry further.
Hot needle test:
Try this simple 'do it yourself' test to check any unusual items you have found. It can not be relied on to provide a positive ID, unless you are thoroughly familiar with the required result. However, the test result may indicate whether it is worth pursuing the enquiry further.
Hot needle test:
1.
|
Heat a needle and touch briefly to
the surface of the item
|
2.
|
If ambergris, the surface will
melt instantly; turning to an oily, molten black residue and a small puff of
musky smelling smoke will be emitted.
|
2. APPEARANCE
Amber is found in many forms: large blocks, balls or egg shapes [sometimes called "kidneys"], broken layers or strata, small jagged pieces, very hard rolls.
Amber is found in many forms: large blocks, balls or egg shapes [sometimes called "kidneys"], broken layers or strata, small jagged pieces, very hard rolls.
2.1
Whole blocks are usually of a roughly ovoid form with the surface being quite irregular and a definite "pointiness" at one end. Blocks are often composed of individual "kidneys" held together with more ambregris which acts rather like a cement. This material is often seen as definite layers which can easily crack and break away if the piece is subject to a sudden blow or shock. Sometimes such breaking will release the "kidneys" from the block.
2.2
The individual "kidneys" look like river stones and vary from the size of a golf ball up to 4 or 5 kilo "rocks". They generally have a finer and firmer structure than the larger blocks and are more resistant to weather and wave action.
3. CHANGE IN APPEARANCE OVER TIME
The appearance of ambre gris evolves with time. The consistency of fresh material is generally soft, compressible and easily crumbled like wet garden soil or clay. Old ambre gris is dry, hard and will fracture like dry clay. It takes many years for a block to dry. After the initial [incomplete] drying the material loses much of its softness and pliability and is said to be "humid".
Amber grey looses 30 - 40 % of its weight in the first few months then the rate decreases and less and less is lost as time goes by. Very dry material can have lost as much as 60 to 70 % of its original weight. The drying time and the weight loss may vary enormously according to quality. Ambergrey is subject to oxidation and degenerates or erodes with time. Some pieces have been known to disappear almost completely.
4. COLOUR
The colour of ambergris varies from black, through dark brown, through light brown to yellow/gold or even grey. The colour tends to lighten with time.
5. TEXTURE
The texture is granulous. The "kidneys" have a tighter and finer texture than the layers or strata.
6. THE EFFECTS OF HEAT
The sun's rays can melt the surface of ambergris forming a layer similar to tar or honey which can cover the area exposed to the sun. When melted, the colour of ambergris darkens. Its colour and transparency can be indicators of quality. [Ambergris melts at 65 -70 degrees. (Centigrade]
7. SQUID BEAKS
If squid beaks are found in the material it is a good indication that you have ambre gris. It is rare that no beaks are found and it is generally believed that ambergris is formed by the whale to protect its stomach and gut from irritation by these rather sharp objects. The point should be made, however, that the presence of squid beaks does not represent a quality standard.Dispersed irregularly, we generally find more beaks in the strata than in the "kidneys".Wearing of the surface often reveals squid beaks which are easily identifiable by their shape, their black/brown colour and their smooth and shiny texture.
8. FINDING LARGE PIECES IN THE SEA
9. COLLECTING ON THE BEACH
It is possible to find ambergrey anywhere on the sea shore, but especially on beaches exposed to wind. Ambergrey can be gently deposited on the sand or thrown onto reefs and rocks where it can be broken up and taken out to sea again. Tumbled and churned by tide and waves, it is finally landed on the shore by a strong sea or a high tide. It is then that we find pieces, from a few grams to twenty kilos or more that can vary widely in size shape and colour, battered by waves, worn by sand melted by sun or chewed by crabs!
10. STORING AMBERGRIS
Do not store ambergris in plastic or in any kind of hermetically sealed container. The material is best preserved suspended in a cotton cloth.
11. THE OLFACTIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF AMBER GRIS
Each piece of ambre gris is unique. It is also an evolutionary material and as time passes it develops a true perfume of its own. It is not only an odour ingredient that adds depth and roundness to a perfume composition; it also acts as a "fixative" and an "exalter". It helps to bring the complex range of olfactive notes together and to diffuse the final creation into the ambience.
12. CHOOSING AMBERGREY
There are surprisingly few perfumers around the world and only those concerned with the creation of the highest quality couturier fragrances use ambergris, so the market is extremely limited. Perfumers buy through brokers with whom a trusting relationship has been built over many years. A broker's reputation takes time to establish and is jealously guarded.
It is possible to find ambergrey anywhere on the sea shore, but especially on beaches exposed to wind. Ambergrey can be gently deposited on the sand or thrown onto reefs and rocks where it can be broken up and taken out to sea again. Tumbled and churned by tide and waves, it is finally landed on the shore by a strong sea or a high tide. It is then that we find pieces, from a few grams to twenty kilos or more that can vary widely in size shape and colour, battered by waves, worn by sand melted by sun or chewed by crabs!
10. STORING AMBERGRIS
Do not store ambergris in plastic or in any kind of hermetically sealed container. The material is best preserved suspended in a cotton cloth.
11. THE OLFACTIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF AMBER GRIS
Each piece of ambre gris is unique. It is also an evolutionary material and as time passes it develops a true perfume of its own. It is not only an odour ingredient that adds depth and roundness to a perfume composition; it also acts as a "fixative" and an "exalter". It helps to bring the complex range of olfactive notes together and to diffuse the final creation into the ambience.
12. CHOOSING AMBERGREY
There are surprisingly few perfumers around the world and only those concerned with the creation of the highest quality couturier fragrances use ambergris, so the market is extremely limited. Perfumers buy through brokers with whom a trusting relationship has been built over many years. A broker's reputation takes time to establish and is jealously guarded.
In fact, perfumers buy ambergris only if the odour of the piece is appropriate for their needs. In choosing ambergris a perfumer must not only be able to assess the current quality but through experience and intuition, anticipate the evolution of the odour before infusion.
13. INFUSIONS OF AMBRE GRIS
The odour of amber evolves and develops over time. To stop that development at the desired odour "profile", perfumers make infusions of amber in alcohol. Infusions of the same piece of ambergris made at different times can produce quite different results. Leading perfumers develop the great skill of being able to blend infusions to produce a consistency in odour "profile".
14. THE VALUE OF AMBERGRIS
Ambergris is no different from any other highly prized commodity. Because
quality is so variable, the influences on its value can be best compared with
those governing the price of diamonds.
For more information see the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvOvjfpPWmw
The odour of amber evolves and develops over time. To stop that development at the desired odour "profile", perfumers make infusions of amber in alcohol. Infusions of the same piece of ambergris made at different times can produce quite different results. Leading perfumers develop the great skill of being able to blend infusions to produce a consistency in odour "profile".
14. THE VALUE OF AMBERGRIS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvOvjfpPWmw
WHAT IS AMBERGRIS? HOW TO IDENTIFY AMBER GRIS(MAAVAHARU)!!!!?
Ambergris is a solid, waxy, flammable substance of a
dull grey or blackish colour produced in the digestive system of sperm whales. The word amber is derived from the Arabic word
"anbar".
Freshly produced ambergris
has a marine, fecal odour. However, as it ages, it acquires a sweet, earthy
scent commonly likened to the fragrance of rubbing alcohol without the vaporous chemical astringency. Although ambergris was formerly highly valued by perfumers as a fixative (allowing the scent to last much
longer), it has now largely been replaced by synthetic ambroxan
Where do you find ambergris?
The
very small chance of finding ambergris and the legal ambiguity involved
led perfume makers away from ambergris. Ambergris can be found in
the Atlantic Ocean and on the coasts of South Africa, Brazil, Madagascar, the
East Indies, The Maldives, China, Japan, India, Australia, New Zealand, and the
Molucca Islands.
1. IDENTIFYING AMBERGRIS
Ambergris has a very specific odour and this is the best and quickest way to identify it. The odour makes it possible not only to determine the age and quality but also to predict the evolution of the piece over time. To some people the odour is nauseous while to others it is attractive and even sensuous. There is certainly an animalic component, reminiscent of farm animals, or even a faecal note, perhaps like that of a well rotted manure heap. There can also be a strong marine note like the smell of seaweed on a beach. Once you have smelt it you will not forget it.
Ambergris has a very specific odour and this is the best and quickest way to identify it. The odour makes it possible not only to determine the age and quality but also to predict the evolution of the piece over time. To some people the odour is nauseous while to others it is attractive and even sensuous. There is certainly an animalic component, reminiscent of farm animals, or even a faecal note, perhaps like that of a well rotted manure heap. There can also be a strong marine note like the smell of seaweed on a beach. Once you have smelt it you will not forget it.
Over time, the odour becomes softer and more "perfumistic" whilst
still preserving its marked animal characteristics. Total
"refinement" takes 10 to 20 years or more but the animalic notes will
always be retained.
What does ambergris smell like?
Ambergris has an unusual odour 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. Poor quality or fresh ambergris (which is black and sticky) is fairly offensive in fragrance. If you can imagine scented cow dung you will be on the right track. Many people expect ambergris to have a very strong or foul odour, but this is not the case. In general, lighter coloured pieces of ambergris have a subtle, pleasant smell. The base animal (manure) odour fades as the ambergris cures. However, the white and grey varieties, in particular, possess the subtle, sweet addictive aroma that beachcombing dreams are made of.
Ambergris has an unusual odour 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. Poor quality or fresh ambergris (which is black and sticky) is fairly offensive in fragrance. If you can imagine scented cow dung you will be on the right track. Many people expect ambergris to have a very strong or foul odour, but this is not the case. In general, lighter coloured pieces of ambergris have a subtle, pleasant smell. The base animal (manure) odour fades as the ambergris cures. However, the white and grey varieties, in particular, possess the subtle, sweet addictive aroma that beachcombing dreams are made of.
Test for ambergris
Try this simple 'do it yourself' test to check any unusual items you have found. It can not be relied on to provide a positive ID, unless you are thoroughly familiar with the required result. However, the test result may indicate whether it is worth pursuing the enquiry further.
Hot needle test:
Try this simple 'do it yourself' test to check any unusual items you have found. It can not be relied on to provide a positive ID, unless you are thoroughly familiar with the required result. However, the test result may indicate whether it is worth pursuing the enquiry further.
Hot needle test:
1.
|
Heat a needle and touch briefly to
the surface of the item
|
2.
|
If ambergris, the surface will
melt instantly; turning to an oily, molten black residue and a small puff of
musky smelling smoke will be emitted.
|
2. APPEARANCE
Amber is found in many forms: large blocks, balls or egg shapes [sometimes called "kidneys"], broken layers or strata, small jagged pieces, very hard rolls.
Amber is found in many forms: large blocks, balls or egg shapes [sometimes called "kidneys"], broken layers or strata, small jagged pieces, very hard rolls.
2.1
Whole blocks are usually of a roughly ovoid form with the surface being quite irregular and a definite "pointiness" at one end. Blocks are often composed of individual "kidneys" held together with more ambregris which acts rather like a cement. This material is often seen as definite layers which can easily crack and break away if the piece is subject to a sudden blow or shock. Sometimes such breaking will release the "kidneys" from the block.
2.2
The individual "kidneys" look like river stones and vary from the size of a golf ball up to 4 or 5 kilo "rocks". They generally have a finer and firmer structure than the larger blocks and are more resistant to weather and wave action.
3. CHANGE IN APPEARANCE OVER TIME
The appearance of ambre gris evolves with time. The consistency of fresh material is generally soft, compressible and easily crumbled like wet garden soil or clay. Old ambre gris is dry, hard and will fracture like dry clay. It takes many years for a block to dry. After the initial [incomplete] drying the material loses much of its softness and pliability and is said to be "humid".
Amber grey looses 30 - 40 % of its weight in the first few months then the rate decreases and less and less is lost as time goes by. Very dry material can have lost as much as 60 to 70 % of its original weight. The drying time and the weight loss may vary enormously according to quality. Ambergrey is subject to oxidation and degenerates or erodes with time. Some pieces have been known to disappear almost completely.
4. COLOUR
The colour of ambergris varies from black, through dark brown, through light brown to yellow/gold or even grey. The colour tends to lighten with time.
5. TEXTURE
The texture is granulous. The "kidneys" have a tighter and finer texture than the layers or strata.
6. THE EFFECTS OF HEAT
The sun's rays can melt the surface of ambergris forming a layer similar to tar or honey which can cover the area exposed to the sun. When melted, the colour of ambergris darkens. Its colour and transparency can be indicators of quality. [Ambergris melts at 65 -70 degrees. (Centigrade]
7. SQUID BEAKS
If squid beaks are found in the material it is a good indication that you have ambre gris. It is rare that no beaks are found and it is generally believed that ambergris is formed by the whale to protect its stomach and gut from irritation by these rather sharp objects. The point should be made, however, that the presence of squid beaks does not represent a quality standard.Dispersed irregularly, we generally find more beaks in the strata than in the "kidneys".Wearing of the surface often reveals squid beaks which are easily identifiable by their shape, their black/brown colour and their smooth and shiny texture.
8. FINDING LARGE PIECES IN THE SEA
Whole blocks of amber are often found in the open sea. Since the blocks have roughly the same density as sea water, they are sometimes almost completely immersed and can only be seen intermittently. Frequently, one can locate the blocks without actually seeing them due to their being surrounded by a calm area of sea similar to that which might be produced by a spillage of oil. This zone is also identifiable by the odour of amber and whale excrement.
9. COLLECTING ON THE BEACH
It is possible to find ambergrey anywhere on the sea shore, but especially on beaches exposed to wind. Ambergrey can be gently deposited on the sand or thrown onto reefs and rocks where it can be broken up and taken out to sea again. Tumbled and churned by tide and waves, it is finally landed on the shore by a strong sea or a high tide. It is then that we find pieces, from a few grams to twenty kilos or more that can vary widely in size shape and colour, battered by waves, worn by sand melted by sun or chewed by crabs!
10. STORING AMBERGRIS
Do not store ambergris in plastic or in any kind of hermetically sealed container. The material is best preserved suspended in a cotton cloth.
11. THE OLFACTIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF AMBER GRIS
Each piece of ambre gris is unique. It is also an evolutionary material and as time passes it develops a true perfume of its own. It is not only an odour ingredient that adds depth and roundness to a perfume composition; it also acts as a "fixative" and an "exalter". It helps to bring the complex range of olfactive notes together and to diffuse the final creation into the ambience.
12. CHOOSING AMBERGREY
There are surprisingly few perfumers around the world and only those concerned with the creation of the highest quality couturier fragrances use ambergris, so the market is extremely limited. Perfumers buy through brokers with whom a trusting relationship has been built over many years. A broker's reputation takes time to establish and is jealously guarded.
It is possible to find ambergrey anywhere on the sea shore, but especially on beaches exposed to wind. Ambergrey can be gently deposited on the sand or thrown onto reefs and rocks where it can be broken up and taken out to sea again. Tumbled and churned by tide and waves, it is finally landed on the shore by a strong sea or a high tide. It is then that we find pieces, from a few grams to twenty kilos or more that can vary widely in size shape and colour, battered by waves, worn by sand melted by sun or chewed by crabs!
10. STORING AMBERGRIS
Do not store ambergris in plastic or in any kind of hermetically sealed container. The material is best preserved suspended in a cotton cloth.
11. THE OLFACTIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF AMBER GRIS
Each piece of ambre gris is unique. It is also an evolutionary material and as time passes it develops a true perfume of its own. It is not only an odour ingredient that adds depth and roundness to a perfume composition; it also acts as a "fixative" and an "exalter". It helps to bring the complex range of olfactive notes together and to diffuse the final creation into the ambience.
12. CHOOSING AMBERGREY
There are surprisingly few perfumers around the world and only those concerned with the creation of the highest quality couturier fragrances use ambergris, so the market is extremely limited. Perfumers buy through brokers with whom a trusting relationship has been built over many years. A broker's reputation takes time to establish and is jealously guarded.
In fact, perfumers buy ambergris only if the odour of the piece is appropriate for their needs. In choosing ambergris a perfumer must not only be able to assess the current quality but through experience and intuition, anticipate the evolution of the odour before infusion.
13. INFUSIONS OF AMBRE GRIS
The odour of amber evolves and develops over time. To stop that development at the desired odour "profile", perfumers make infusions of amber in alcohol. Infusions of the same piece of ambergris made at different times can produce quite different results. Leading perfumers develop the great skill of being able to blend infusions to produce a consistency in odour "profile".
14. THE VALUE OF AMBERGRIS
Ambergris is no different from any other highly prized commodity. Because quality is so variable, the influences on its value can be best compared with those governing the price of diamonds.
The odour of amber evolves and develops over time. To stop that development at the desired odour "profile", perfumers make infusions of amber in alcohol. Infusions of the same piece of ambergris made at different times can produce quite different results. Leading perfumers develop the great skill of being able to blend infusions to produce a consistency in odour "profile".
14. THE VALUE OF AMBERGRIS
Ambergris is no different from any other highly prized commodity. Because quality is so variable, the influences on its value can be best compared with those governing the price of diamonds.
History of the Maldives: History of Sports in the Madives
History of the Maldives: History of Sports in the Madives: International sports began about a century ago in the Maldives. According to historical sources cricket was the first international ...
CHINA - MALDIVES Friendship Bridge
Named the “China-Maldives Friendship Bridge” and estimated at $100-150
million, the project will transfer high levels of political and industrial
activity from Malé to other islands. Poor transport logistics are a daily
inconvenience for both residents and holidaymakers.
The bridge will also connect the government’s “Youth City” project with the
capital. Over 5,000 new homes have already been built with Chinese support, but
attracting residents off bustling Malé is difficult. Redefining Hulhumalé as a
driveable extension of Malé could turn the tables in its favor.
The China-Maldives Friendship Bridge has the power to unlock Malé’s economy,
and position China as a leading investor in Maldives’ transport and trade for
years to come.Chinese President Xi Jinping has stated that China will support China
Maldives Friendship bridge and other developmental projects of Maldives.
President Xi said that China would be extending a further RMB 600 million in grant oor inter-island transport has long stunted the Maldives’ socio-economic growth. With transport limited to weather dependent ferries, China has indicated that it will finance a six-lane bridge connecting Malé to the airport island Hulhulé, and by extension Hulhumalé.
Named the “China-Maldives Friendship Bridge” and estimated at $100-150
million, the project will transfer high levels of political and industrial
activity from Malé to other islands. Poor transport logistics are a daily
inconvenience for both residents and holidaymakers.
As the main financier of Hulhulé airport’s $845 million upgrade, China has
an interest in redefining Malé atoll as an efficient, navigable investment
space. A direct link between the airport and Malé aids this by improving access
to markets and services.
The six-lane bridge will also connect the government’s “Youth City” project
with the capital. Over 5,000 new homes have already been built with Chinese
support, but attracting residents off bustling Malé is difficult. Redefining
Hulhumalé as a driveable extension of Malé could turn the tables in its favor.
The China-Maldives Friendship Bridge has the power to unlock Malé’s economy,
and position China as a leading investor in Maldives’ transport and trade for
years to come. China will give positive consideration to supporting the construction of
Male-Hulhule Bridge, and proposes to name it as “China-Maldives Friendship
Bridge”. China will encourage more Chinese enterprises to actively engage in
the economic transformation of Maldives as well as in projects like Youth City
establishment, and continue to provide financing support to projects that the
two sides have agreed.
China will continue to provide assistance to the social and economic agreement
of Maldives as before. In order to help the Maldivian side to strengthen its
capacity to address the challenge of climate change, China will provide goods
assistance to the Maldives under the South-South cooperation framework, and
cooperate in areas of human resources training and technologies related to
energy saving and environment conservation Our two sides will continue to
expand our cooperation in tourism, human resources, and culture.
China will
continue to facilitate the Maldives to expand the Chinese tourism market, support
Chinese enterprises to invest in tourism industries of Maldives, and encourage
more Chinese tourists to visit Maldives. China will also carry out cooperation
in civil servants training and help Maldivian citizens to learn Chinese.
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