December 3, 2008
Valued for its unique properties and smooth smoke, meerschaum has been a popular material for pipes since its introduction to the west in the mid-1800's. This white mineral, found mostly in Turkey, is loved by pipe smokers for its natural filtration of the tobacco (it absorbs the nicotine and tar). This process triggers meerschaum's other strange property: as it is smoked, the pipe begins to turn reddish brown.
Because it is very soft, meerschaum is easily carved, and has been used to create some very unique and intricate pipes. Skulls, heads, animals, ships... any shape you can imagine has been carved in meerschaum. Meerschaum pipes are typically valued based on their design, and whether or not they're in smokeable condition.
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KPUA, HI -
On display with the case are a pipe carved from a white mineral known as meerschaum, a cane carved from a narwhal and another cane made of wood and gold. ...
International Herald Tribune, France -
The exhibit includes a pipe carved from a white mineral known as meerschaum and a gold cigarette case drizzled with 99 diamonds, a trio of emeralds and a ...
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, HI -
Other items in the jewelry gallery include a pipe carved from meerschaum (a mineral), depicting a man battling a bear; a cane made of the twisted tusk of a ...
Johns Hopkins News-Letter, MD -
The pair is constructed out of gold over bronze, gemstones, glass and meerschaum. They are considered to be one of the best-preserved examples of this ...
Media Channel, NY -
Weil is at home around a balance sheet as we are smoking our Meerschaum pipes at the Columbia Club. After years of covering the beat, Weil writes about ...
Atlanta Journal Constitution, USA -
The exhibit includes a pipe carved from a white mineral known as meerschaum and a gold cigarette case drizzled with 99 diamonds, a trio of emeralds and a ...
20minuten, Switzerland -
Makramee, Origami, Tiffany oder Pfeifen aus Meerschaum herstellen - die Palette der möglichen Handarbeiten ist breit. Haben auch Sie ein handwerkliches ...
