Transform Your Smoking Experience With Meerschaum Pipes

For a better smoking experience, consider using Meerschaum pipes.  Unlike pipes designed for tobacco, these versions last longer and are generally more attractive.  This is due to not only the substance’s coloring, but also the designs used to create these pipes.

Now when you go shopping for Meerschaum pipes, know that the substance goes by many names.  Some are poetic, like “White Goddes” or “Aktas.”  Others might use “Sepiolite,” a more scientific term.  In any case, if you see any smoking-related ads promoting a soft, white substance chances are they are talking about Meerschaum.


In terms of extraction, Meerschaum starts off very soft.  In fact, it only has a hardness level of just 2.0.  But when it is dried or heated by the sun, Meerschaum hardens pretty quickly.   In that form, it can be shaped into many different objects.  In the world of art, the material can be sculpted like clay; in the smoking world, it is formed into pipes.







However, before the substance can be made into a series of pipes, it has to be prepped.  To do this, manufactures have to remove the nodules that form on the material.   This is done by drying the substance, scraping it and then polishing it with a waxy finish.  Afterward, the Meerschaum is then carved, smoothed out and heated in a wax.   The final stage of preparation involves coating the mineral yet again.  Bone ash is used for this coat.

Once the prepping is complete, the material can be shaped into a pipe.   The end result is a very unique smoking instrument.  The color itself is already fascinating, but sometimes meerschaum pipes go a step further with elaborate artwork.  Many pipes use vintage designs for their artwork, though there are some that offer a more contemporary look.  Pipes with “skull and crossbones” designs are an example.   Just remember, that as the pipes get older, their hue will start to change.   As they absorb more nicotine, the Meerschaum portion of the pipe will go through many hues, ranging from yellow to red.


In any case, if you are interested in buying Meerschaum pipes, do not limit yourself to local manufacturers.   Since the Meerschaum is only found in certain areas, you might also want to try researching European and Middle Eastern manufacturers.   In the case of Turkish Meerschaum pipes, you would have to travel to the country directly for purchase.  The reason why is because Turkey recently banned exporting of Meerschaum.  Sales of the substance within the country are okay... what is now illegal is selling it to other countries.  So, if you plan on traveling to Turkey, you might want to stop by a local market to experience these wondrous pipes.  You will not be able to take it out of the country, but that does not mean you cannot enjoy them during the rest of your vacation.