Meerschaum pipe

What is meerschaum? Meerschaum is nothing other than magnesite (magnesium hydrogen sulfate), also known by the German name "Meerschaum." It is a variety of white-colored carbonate lime.The sea foam comes from sedimentary terrains of the Secondary and Tertiary periods. It appears in the form of modest-sized blocks, called nodules, and scattered in clay. It is extracted from old, artisanal, and rudimentary mining facilities, using wells with a depth ranging from 40 to 80 meters. The properties of sea foamSea foam has the particularity of being a very light mineral, capable of floating on water. Moreover, that is where its name comes from, since sailors of the Black Sea used to confuse it with the foam of the waves when it floated on the surface of the water. Sea foam (Genuine Block Meerschaum) is porous (its specific weight is less than 1g). It also has a great absorbent capacity and retains nicotine very efficiently. This mineral is also refractory and therefore constitutes an excellent raw material for the manufacture of pipes. The origin of the meerschaum pipeThe first meerschaum pipes are believed to have been made in Budapest at the beginning of the 17th century. Some time ... Learn more

Discover how to break in your own meerschaum pipe First of all, you should absolutely never pre-break in a meerschaum pipe with alcohol, no more than a briar pipe. You would permanently damage it. The meerschaum pipe is delicate. It must therefore be smoked slowly, regularly (once a day). The bowl must be filled completely with tobacco from the start, but only smoke halfheat the bowl for several dozen pipes in order to achieve a pleasant seasoning (coloring of the bottom of the bowl and the stem). The meerschaum pipe is a fragile and precious object; it should therefore never be touched while smoking it to avoid the indelible mark of fingerprints. It is held only by the stem. However, if you want to hold it by the bowl, you must take the precaution of protecting your hand with a chamois leather or a square of cloth.The "false" genuine meerschaums One can find meerschaum pipes on the market at very low prices, sometimes half the price of a genuine meerschaum pipe. It should be known that these are, even if their external appearance is similar to that of a genuine meerschaum pipe, reconstituted meerschaum called "massa meerschaum" (Massameerschaum), or "Vienna meerschaum." They ... Learn more

The meerschaum pipe requires regular and meticulous cleaning. Otherwise, your pipe will deteriorate and your tobacco will no longer have its savory taste. Here are our expert tips for properly cleaning your meerschaum pipe. Breakdown. Cleaning your meerschaum pipe with the right tools As with cleaning traditional pipes, you will need some very specific accessories to reach all the corners of your pipe. In addition to the classic pipe cleaner and stem brush or cotton swab, you will need a tapered pipe cleaner, a bristled pipe cleaner, and a pipe pick if you wish. Chemical products should be avoided, first because they will alter the meerschaum and then because some also leave a taste or smell in your pipe that is transferred to the tobacco. In addition, inhaling these products can be harmful to your health. The maintenance of a meerschaum pipe begins as soon as it is acquired When purchased, a meerschaum pipe displays a majestic white. Yet, every enthusiast knows how important it is to see a change in color occur. Indeed, meerschaum, if properly maintained, turns amber or brown over time. Coated with beeswax, meerschaum pipes must be handled with care. Some purists will ... Learn more

New, the meerschaum pipe is all white. But it does not stay that way. It takes on a color ranging from amber to brown over time with use. How can you color your meerschaum pipe? We explain everything to you. The meerschaum pipe: a precious object With a milky whiteness and sometimes very intricate curves, the meerschaum pipe often serves as a work of art or a collectible. To understand how to take care of this type of pipe, it is essential to understand what meerschaum is.This porous material is mainly extracted from Turkey and more precisely from the Eskisehir plain. It is quite a rare substance, made from the fossils of marine creature shells. It is from this sea foam that the best pipes are carved. However, it can also be found floating on the surface of the Black Sea. This material is also used, but for carving lower-quality pipes.Seafoam pipes are handmade by Turkish pipe craftsmen. Over time and with use, the milky white changes color. Each pipe is unique, and each coloration is also unique. It particularly depends on the use and careful maintenance by its owner. Good tips for properly coloring your seafoam pipeIn the smokers' world, there are two schools of thought: the ... Learn more