All You Need To Know About Meerschaum Pipes

Meerschaum pipes are the most widely used pipes in the world. Some mature smokers who only smoke Meerschaum pipes recommend Meerschaum only. Meerschaum is a cram colored opaque magnesium silicate commonly referred to as soapstone. Several names have been used over the years to refer to this soapstone. They are: Patal, Vienna Stone, Aktas, Eskisehir's Stone, Sea foam, Sepiolite, Venus of the Sea, White Goddess, Lületaşı and rock of Moroccan Soap. Most of these names are derived from the place of origin of the material used to make the pipes. Pipes made from soapstone are very light and are polished to a fine finish that gives it a unique feel that cannot be matched by any other pipe made from a different material.


The use of Meerschaum in making pipes can be traced back to the 16th century Europe. Fine pipes made of Meerschaum were made in countries deep in the heart of European history such as Germany, Vienna and Switzerland. Present day Meerschaun pipes are all produced in Turkey, West of the capital city Ankara, near Eskisehir. Aside from Meerschaum pipes there are also other items made of Meerschaum that are used by smokers. Some of the Meerschaum accessories loved by enthusiast include cigar holder, ashtrays, cigarette holders, table lighters, pipe rests, decorative boxes, decorative eggs used to enhance home interior decor among other types of rustic accessories.

While Meerschaum pipes come in a variety of styles and designs, their color does not vary greatly. Meerschaum can be manipulated during the manufacturing process to produce different designs and shapes of Meerschaum pipes and other accessories. There are pipes designed to look like a dragon, a rustic head or a hand holding an egg. With time Meerschaum pipes become darker in color due to tar and other compounds that are absorbed by the pipe. The beeswax coating on the pipe draws these substances to the surface after a certain period of constant use. These substances then color the surface of the pipe changing its color. Meerschaum enthusiasts are very proud of the dark color, some are even compare whose is darker.


Unlike other pipes, Meerschaum pipes do not affect the taste or flavor of tobacco. Some materials burn off together with the tobacco or they leave a burnt residue. However, Meerschaum pipes do not burn, this eliminates the need for a cake of carbon as enthusiasts call it. This is a fascinating phenomenon as smokers are not concerned about "polluting the cake" when smoking different flavors of tobacco. Since Meerschaum is porous, it is for this reason that most people consider it safe as it produces a cleaner smoke than other types of pipes. This can be attributed to the tiny pores on the walls and surface of the pipe that absorb all the by products of burning tobacco.