Found something that looks like ambergris in Australia?
It could be ambergris, or one of many common beach lookalikes. Send me clear photos for a free first assessment.
Free and private. I reply within 24 hours. Prefer to chat? Message me on WhatsApp.
- Years in ambergris20+
- Specimens assessed4,678
- Countries56
- Reply within24 hours
How does the free assessment work?
Ambergris Canada gives Australian beachcombers a free identification and assessment of possible ambergris finds. Most unusual beach finds are not ambergris, so identification comes first. I'm Nabil Valiulla, I've assessed 4,678 specimens in more than 20 years, and I review your photos myself and reply within 24 hours.
From beach find to a clear answer. Here's what to do if you think you've found ambergris.
- 1 · FindSomething waxy, light or strongly scented on an Australian beach.
- 2 · IdentifyCheck the signs with my identification guide.
- 3 · Get assessedSend me clear photos on WhatsApp or the form. I review every one myself.
- 4 · Get guidanceI tell you what it most likely is, and how to handle and store it.
Who will assess my find?
I review every assessment myself. In more than 20 years I have assessed 4,678 specimens, with contacts in 56 countries, so I can tell you whether your find is worth a closer look.
Read my storyCan ambergris wash up in Australia?
Australia has one of the world's longest coastlines, with remote beaches, strong ocean currents, whale migration routes and storm-driven deposits. Genuine ambergris is rare, but unusual waxy or light material can wash ashore, especially after storms, high tides or big swells.
Most unusual beach finds are not ambergris. That's why identification comes first, before you wash, cut or store anything.
Read the coastal guideStart with the right guide
Six guides for Australian finders, from the first check to keeping your find in good condition.
Identify ambergris
The 7 checks: look, feel, weight, smell, warm smell, inside and handling.
Common ambergris lookalikes
Compare your find with tar balls, pumice, palm oil, fatbergs, seaweed and wax.
Value and grading
How colour, age, weight, purity and condition set the grade.
Finder guide
Found something already? What to do before you wash, cut or store it.
Coastal guide
Where and when Australian beach finds turn up, after storms and high tides.
FAQ
Answers to the questions Australian finders ask me first.
Australia FAQs
The questions Australian finders ask me first.
Is ambergris legal in Australia?
The ambergris trade is not legal in Australia. I can still assess your find for free and tell you what it most likely is, how to handle it and how to store it.
What does the free assessment include?
Send clear photos on WhatsApp or through the assessment form. I review your find myself, check it against the common lookalikes, and explain what it most likely is and how to keep it in good condition.
Is what I found really ambergris?
Most beach finds are not. Compare yours with the common Australian lookalikes, then send me photos for a free assessment.
Ready to find out what you have?
Send me clear photos in daylight. I'll give you an honest first assessment, free and simple, with no obligation.
See what I find, as I find it
I post new pieces, field trips and identification tips on Instagram.
Most of what washes up is driftwood and stone. I post the pieces that aren't, and how I tell them apart.
