CHRISTCHURCH, England, Aug. 30 (UPI) -- The family of a British 8-year-old who found a chunk of whale vomit on the beach said the find could be worth more than $60,000.

Charlie Naysmith, of Christchurch, England, said he discovered the chunk of ambergris at Hengistbury Head and took it home. His family researched the object and found out it is worth between $16,000 and $63,000, the Daily Echo of Southampton, England, reported Thursday.


The boy's father, Alex Naysmith, said experts were working to determine the exact worth of the item.

"He is into nature and is really interested in it. We have discovered it is quite rare and are waiting for some more information from marine biology experts," he said.

Experts said ambergris, which is created in the intestines of a sperm whale and comes out in vomit, is prized for its ability to prolong the scent of perfume.