Meerschaum pipes is regarded by many smokers as the best in the West. These pipes are named after a white mineral, known to some as sepiolite, which is the main component of the pipe bowl. If you are thinking about acquiring any of these pipes, it is certainly useful to do as much research as you can about it so you know if it is the right set of pipes for you.
Meerschaum Explained
This substance whose colors range from white to gray is found about 30-450 ft. below the surface of the Earth. Because it is made from hydrous magnesium silicate, it is extraordinarily porous and light-weight for a typical pipe. At present, it can only be mined in the central Turkey plains near Eskisehir city.
The Advantages of Meerschaum Pipes
Why is this a favorite among people who smoke? For one thing, they are certainly very beautiful. Since meerschaum is soft, it is a great base material to carve intricate designs.
Aside from this, these pipes are also prized because of their porous nature. This means that they are capable of changing colors after absorbing a lot of tobacco. Their hues start at yellow and progress to oranges and red. Eventually, these pipes change into cherry red or a full goldish brown color. The timeframe in which they change can be from 2 months to 1 year. It is said that pipes created from meerschaum bricks instead of dust have the best color evolution.
Apart from being treasured for their physical appearance, these pipes also have excellent smoke quality, and are particularly well-known for giving dry, cool smokes. This is why they are sometimes called the "aristocrat's pipe."
How to Care for Meerschaum Pipes
While these pipes can be more fragile than briar pipes, taking caring of them is not at all hard. In fact, because of their porous nature, you can smoke them numerous times on a daily basis without needed to dry them out.
Should you need to clean them, you can wipe them with a cotton rag with after-shave lotion. Make sure you only use one drop. Do not boil or scrape them. If you notice that there is caking, just ream them gently. You can make use of pipe cleaners to for the stems and shanks. Just remember that when you return the stem to the pipe's shank, you should be holding the shank firmly in your hand while you turn the stem clockwise. And lastly, know that using lighters that are too hot can ruin these pipes.
Meerschaum pipes are sought after by a lot of avid smokers, mainly because they are beautiful, unique, and have incredible smoke quality. Both new and old smokers alike can appreciate the very popular Meerschaum pipe.
Meerschaum is a light-colored mineral with a supple texture popularly used in creating luxury cigarette holders, meerschaum pipes, ladies accessories, and board game pieces. It also goes by the name of sepiolite in stone form, valued for its distinctive surface. It has a softness which lends itself well to intricate carvings, and yet it is known for its outstanding durability as well.
Mineral deposits can be found all over Northern America, in Europe at certain Spanish towns, and in parts of Mexico. However, by far the most sought-after meerschaum slabs are mined from the Turkish tow of Eskisehir. These blocks are prized due to their light color and softer texture. Miners gently dig them out from wells that are 130m down. This manual labor must be done precisely as too much force will cause the stones to crack. Pieces are then evaluated depending on their color, dimensions, and homogeneity. Pipes are made from solid slabs by experienced artisans using techniques handed down from generation to generation, in conjunction with their own styles to create exceptional art pieces.
Meerschaum pipes appeal to smokers in many ways. First, unlike other kinds of pipes, they don’t change the flavor in any way so tobaccos taste as pure as can be, something smokers appreciate very much. Various blends can be smoked sans the aftertaste and their subtle differences come out more clearly. The material is porous enough to be able to absorb some of the ingredients that give tobacco its bad reputation such as tar and nicotine. This natural filtration offers a better smoking experience than other pipes. Whatever happens, meerschaum pipes will not catch fire and can be used multiple times each day without burning out like wood and briar pipes. As they age, they gain character, changing their colors from near white to attractive hues of gold and brown.
If care is taken, they can be used for several years and retain their exquisite appearance. Cleaning should be done religiously, right after smoking. The area within the bowl should be emptied of ash using bristle pipe cleaners. The exterior, meanwhile, should be wiped by cloth dampened by a little alcohol. To avert the loosening of the stem, always be careful when twisting it with your hands.
Collectors have a myriad of choices if they are searching for fine-looking smoking implements. Pipes can also be custom-made to accommodate one’s surname, initials, or symbols. Intricate animal carvings and other traditional designs can be found as well. Popular among aficionados are famous men in history like the Buddha, Napoleon and even the physicist Albert Einstein. Meerschaum pipes are worthy additions to anyone’s collection because of their practical features and unquestionable beauty that has no equal.
