Literally translated from German means "seafoam". This name reflects its characteristics of lightness in weight and whiteness in color. It is one of the most porous substances found in nature, will not burn out, and is considered by pipe smokers as the perfect material for a cool, dry smoke.
Unlike Briar Wood pipes, Meerschaum is a mineral. (Hydrous Magnesium Silicate).Today the highest quality Meerschaum deposits are not found near any body of water. They are found in only one area of the world, the open plains of central Turkey surrounding the small city of Eskisehir.
Meerschaum is mined wet from depths of up to 400 feet and is bought by carvers in various size blocks or lumps called stones, then hand carved into what many consider one of the finest smoking pipes available.Making a pipe.
Since every Arik Meerschaum Pipe we sell is individually hand carved, the first step is for the craftsmen to select only the stones which he feels to be of the finest quality based upon size of the stone, density, color, and homogeneity.
The carvers then transform this block of raw stone, using the same hand carving techniques which have been handed down from generation to generation, into various styles of pipes from the elegant smooth shapes, to intricately carved designs.
This makes Meerschaum pipes one of the most prestigious, enjoyable, and beautiful pipes you can own.The final process in crafting a Meerschaum pipe is drying out excess moisture, fitting it with a custom stem, dipping it in a coating of special protective wax, and then polishing.
As long as your hands are not excessively greasy or dirty, TOUCH YOUR PIPE, hold it proudly, it has been carved for you to enjoy its coolness of smoke and pride of ownership.Coloring: Because of its natural porous nature, Solid Block Meerschaum's most fascinating characteristic is its process of gradually changing colors from white to a golden deep cherry red or brown.
Since each stone is unique unto itself, each pipe will color at various speeds and shades; I have seen pipes color in 2 months and some color in 12 months. It is impossible to tell just how long it will take your pipe to color. Some factors affecting this colorization vary from your particular smoking habits, different types of tobacco, to the amount of time you smoke your pipe.
