Ambergris
comes in many colours, shapes and textures. This makes
identification difficult and ensures frustration for beachcombers
on the hunt for this elusive substance. Ambergris is most often
white, grey, black or brown in colour or even a mixture of these
shades. In shape; ambergris can be flat or square but often
rounded, oval shapes appear on the beaches, probably due to the
rolling and smoothing action that the ocean waves would have over a
period of time, even years. If black in colour, the texture may be
soft and sticky like melting tar. Most often it is hard yet waxy
and may have a powdery like white coating. It can also be described
as having the texture of hard, dry clay.

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.

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.
If you
think you may have found some ambergris but you are still not sure;
you can visit our 'sell ambergris' page for an
appraisal.
You can
also check the "Look-alike" page for photos and descriptions of
those materials most commonly mistaken for
ambergris