Many thanks to Brendan Borrell of Hakai Magazine for sharing an insightful story. Oysters are natural storytellers.
Discover P.J. Joseph's blog, your guide to colored gemstones, diamonds, watches, jewelry, art, design, luxury hotels, food, travel, and more. Based in South Asia, P.J. is a gemstone analyst, writer, and responsible foodie featured on Al Jazeera, BBC, CNN, and CNBC. Disclosure: All images are digitally created for educational and illustrative purposes. Portions of the blog were human-written and refined with AI to support educational goals.
Translate
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Thursday, November 04, 2021
Ambergris
Mark Wilding's story on ambergris was fascinating. Ambergris is one of the world's unlikeliest commodities. The waxy substance formed in the gut of around one in 100 sperm whales is frequently described as vomit, but is almost certainly expelled from the other end of the animal. There is an important factor in the ambergris appeal-----mystery. And wherever there is mystery around a commodity, misinformation, suspicion, and secrecy often follow. Along the way, you will meet half-bright half-idiots of all hues. Must read.

