Meerschaum
Meerschaum means “foam of the sea”. It is a soft mineral, that can be found primarily in Turkey, but also in Greece, Kenya and USA.
In its original form it can be scratched with a fingernail, but after it's been prepared for use, it gets more firm. The meerschaum piece, in its natural form, is scraped to remove the red earthy matrix, then dried, scraped again and polished with wax. Then turned, carved and smoothed. Next it gets heated in wax and finally polished with bone-ash.
Originally it was used for jewelry and decorations but in the 1700s it was discovered to be an excellent material for pipe bowls and cigarette holders, because it provided a cool, dry and flavorful smoke. It also absorbs moisture and tobacco tar.
Meerschaum pipes for the maritime pleasures
Meerschaum pipes are especially suited for being beautifully and interestingly carved, because the material is initially soft enough to carve in great detail. On this page you can find meerschaum pipes with interesting carvings and more simple versions for everyday use and easy transport. Meerschaum is undeniably linked to the sea and the pipes will offer you exquisite maritime smoking pleasure.