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whale oil

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whale oil, oil extracted from the blubber and other parts of certain species of whales. It varies in composition, color, and the degree of fishy odor according to the method and extent of refining. Formerly widely used as an illuminant, it was superseded by petroleum products. It is used today in soapmaking, as a leather dressing, and as a lubricant. Some is hydrogenated to form edible fats. The term is also sometimes used to include sperm oil sperm oil, liquid wax obtained from the sperm whale, or cachalot, and related marine mammals. It flows readily, is clear, and varies in color from pale yellow to brownish yellow. Chemically it is not a true oil.
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The article on organohalogens in 1920s whale oil ("A Whale's Tale: Puzzling marine compounds are natural," SN: 10/28/06, p.
Just as fossil fuel replaced scarce whale oil, its use will be reduced by new technology and alternative fuel sources.
Even so, experts now say that since whale oil is no longer used, the real money-making days of whaling are over.
 
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