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Meerschaum Pipe - What Are the Characteristics?

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Pipes Made from Meerschaum – poetically known as "the White Goddesses." A meerschaum pipe is ideal for leisurely moments, offering the pipe smoker the highest enjoyment when treated with care.

What exactly is this "white gold"? Where does it come from, and what unique properties does it have? And what should you consider when buying and enjoying a meerschaum pipe? We aim to answer these questions below, so you can get acquainted with the essential characteristics of meerschaum pipes.

Types of Meerschaum

A distinction is made between Turkish and African meerschaum. The original natural meerschaum comes from Turkey, with the best deposits found near the Anatolian city of Eskisehir. The raw, unprocessed meerschaum blocks are crafted into pipe bowls directly on-site, as Turkey long ago banned the export of these blocks.

The second type is mass meerschaum, also known as pressed meerschaum. In this process, leftover production scraps are washed, ground, and mixed with lime and binding agents before being dried and cut into blocks, which are then processed like natural meerschaum. Pressed meerschaum is created by compressing meerschaum remnants with a neutral binder to form blocks.

A third type is the so-called Amboseli meerschaum, which is mined in Tanzania. This type does not have the same quality as Turkish natural meerschaum.

Differences Among Types of Meerschaum

Turkish natural meerschaum is superior in quality, particularly in terms of color. Additionally, natural meerschaum is generally lighter than mass meerschaum. Pipes made from mass or pressed meerschaum may often impart a taste from the binder to the smoke.

African meerschaum is less white, heavier, and thus less absorbent of the condensation produced during smoking.

For novices, these subtle differences are not always easy to recognize. Therefore, it’s best to purchase pipes from a reputable dealer who can provide expert advice.

White Goddess Apple Smooth

175.00 €

Rattray's

White Goddess Billiard Smooth Silver

Special Properties of Meerschaum

Meerschaum is a mineral substance with a unique structure composed of countless tiny pores. These pores make meerschaum highly absorbent, especially for smoke condensates, eliminating the need for filters.

Furthermore, meerschaum is fire-resistant. This benefits the pipe smoker as there is no risk of burning through the bowl. Additionally, natural meerschaum pipes have a neutral taste and are excellent for evaluating tobacco flavors.

Another unique feature is the coloration of the pipe bowl from smoking. After carving, the meerschaum pipe is dipped in liquid beeswax, which allows the bowl to change color during smoking. The color can range from light beige to yellow-brown to deep red.

However, there are a few basic rules to follow while smoking.

Smoking and Maintenance

The so-called breaking-in of a pipe is unnecessary, and the first use of a meerschaum pipe can be done with a fully packed bowl. As previously mentioned, there is no risk of burning through the bowl from overly hot smoking.
Still, one should smoke the pipe slowly and evenly. Smoking too hotly can cause the wax in the bowl to sink to the bottom, resulting in uneven coloration, where only the stem may darken.
During smoking, handle the pipe with clean fingers only. Fingerprints or sweaty hands on the bowl can lead to uneven coloration. However, there is no need to wear white cotton gloves, as was often recommended in older books.
During the initial smoking phase, use the pipe regularly but not too frequently. Avoid placing the pipe on cold surfaces during smoking, as sudden cooling may cause cracks in the bowl.
Unlike wooden pipes, a carbon layer inside the bowl is not desirable, as it reduces the pipe's ability to absorb condensate. Clean the pipe with a cloth after it has cooled. If a slight carbon layer does form, it can be gently removed with fine sandpaper.
You can maintain the outer surface of the pipe with a soft cloth for cleaning and polishing.