Meerschaum pipes - the finest in the world

Meerschaum stone is most commonly used to make pipes and cigarette holders. They are considered to be the finest smoking pipes on the market. Meerschaum stone has been used in pipes since the 1700s. When the pipe is used the meerschaum color changes gradually over time to shades of yellow, orange, red and eventually brown.

Carving and polishing meerschaum pipes

In the Turkish meerschaum pipe preparation process the meerschaum stone is carved, scraped and smoothed with glass paper. In the final stages of the production process the meerschaum stone is fitted to a stem, dipped in a special coating of protective wax and polished. The number of wax coats used varies for each meerschaum pipe maker.

Why buy a meerschaum pipe

The advantage of meerschaum pipes over pipes made of briar and corncob are numerous. Firstly, meerschaum stone is very light in weight and is very pleasant to hold in the hand over time. It is a porous material and thus absorbs unwanted bi-products from the tobacco including tar. This is the reason for the pipe turning shares ranging from yellow to red over time. Also, given its porous nature, meerschaum allows the tobacco to reflect its pure flavor when smoked.

Find meerschaum pipes online

In an effort to protect domestic production Turkey banned the exportation of meerschaum nodules in the 1970s. Previously, meerschaum pipes were made in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. However, almost all meerschaum pipes today are produced in and around Eskisehir, Turkey and must be purchased in that region. With the Internet today, however, great deals on meerschaum pipes can be found online rather than having to travel to Turkey!

What is meerschaum stone?

The world Meerschaum comes from German and means "seafoam". Meerschaum is a stone that's a member of the soapstone family and was found originally around the Black Sea. When mined its colors are opaque-white, gray or cream color. Meerschaum is also called Sepiolite, Venus of the Sea, Sea Goddess and White Goddess.

Meerschaum stone - direclty from Eskisehi, Turkey

Within Turkey meerschaum stone is found in alluvial deposits on the plain of Eskisehir in central Turkey between Istanbul and Ankara. Smaller amounts of merschaum stone can also be found in Greece, Spain, France, and in the states of Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Utah in the United States. When first taken from the earth meerschaum stone is soft and wet. But, when exposed to sun light and air it hardens. It is sold to carvers for pipe production.

To learn more click the link: Turkish Meerschaum Pipes.