"Whale's Death Unveils $500k 'Floating Gold' Treasure"
A scientist investigating the cause of a beached sperm whale's death discovered a 20-pound lump of ambergris, also known as "whale vomit," inside the animal. Ambergris, a valuable waxy substance formed in the digestive tracts of sperm whales, is highly desired by perfume makers for its ability to fix and extend the life of scents. The lump was so large that it ruptured the whale's intestine, leading to its demise. The scientist hopes to sell the ambergris to support victims of a recent volcano eruption on the Canary Island where the whale washed up, although the trade of ambergris is banned in some countries.