World · East Asia & Pacific · 10 hrs ago
Florida beach find may be rare ambergris, but confirmation is unclear
Christine Marvin found a waxy lump on a beach in Melbourne, Florida, after first mistaking it for melted plastic.
She suspected it could be ambergris, a rare substance formed in sperm whales and sometimes released into the sea.
The lump has been described as ambergris, but its identity is not confirmed; simple tests cannot establish what it is.
Ambergris can develop a distinctive scent as it drifts at sea, and it has been used in perfume, though synthetic substitutes are now common.
Some ambergris may be worth more than gold by weight, but its price depends on its quality and age.
US rules restrict collecting, keeping or selling ambergris, and Marvin reported the find to authorities.
One piece was given to a local whale-protection group, which is discussing next steps with federal authorities; Marvin hopes to use the find for children's education.
Christine Marvin found a partly buried white-and-gold lump on a beach in Melbourne, Florida, while walking.
She initially thought it was melted plastic but suspected it might be ambergris after feeling its light, waxy-smooth surface.
The find may be ambergris, a rare substance from sperm whales that is used in perfumes, but the reported tests do not confirm its identity.
Marvin reported the find to authorities, and one piece was given to a local whale-protection group.
In the United States, ambergris is subject to restrictions on possession and sale.
- Who
- Christine Marvin found the lump.
- What
- She found an object that may be ambergris. Its identity has not been confirmed by an expert.
- When
- Not stated.
- Where
- Melbourne beach, Florida, United States.
- Why
- Not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Marvin found ambergris twice, according to the reports.
Marvin found a white-and-gold lump partly buried in sand at Melbourne beach.
Marvin reported the find to authorities.
One of the pieces was given to a local whale-protection group, which is discussing procedures with federal authorities.
- Finder
- Christine Marvin
- Location
- Melbourne beach, Florida
- Previous finds
- Two in 2024; this was reported as her third discovery
- Possible substance
- Ambergris, not confirmed by expert assessment
- Reported potential value
- Up to $10,000 per ounce (about 28 grams)
- Local organization
- One piece was given to a whale-protection group
3 sources
What people are saying
The object was very light and waxy-smooth
The real value is not money but the story it contains