Meerschaum Pipes Explained

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.