Venus Of The Sea Or White Goddess –affordable Luxury

The German word translates into sea foam and the geologists know it as hydrous magnesium silicate. The mineral, that is made of millions of little sea creature fossils, is also known as meerschaum. The finest meerschaum is mined in Turkey and Tanzania, Africa. The meerschaum stone is washed and graded according to size, density, homogeneity, and color. The next step is the process in which the raw material is split into smaller pieces. This is a very delicate process. Up to 80% of the mined meerschaum does not make it passed this stage and is discarded. Only the best material is selected to be carved into a meerschaum pipe. These pipes are popular around the world among pipe smokers and collectors. A well-stocked pipe shop usually has a collection of meerschaum pipes for sale.

Meerschaum is often called the Venus of the Sea, White Gold or White Goddess. The first record of meerschaum being used for a pipe dates back to the early 1700s. All meerschaum pipes are currently produced in Turkey. The stone is available in an opaque white–gray or the more familiar creamy white color. The pieces shipped from the mine arrive at the manufacturer. Before they can be carved they have to soak in water for 15-30 minutes. This softens the meerschaum .The material is then hand –carved into either standard pipes, or a sculpted work of art. The mouth piece is hand fitted to the pipe head. Polishing and waxing are the last stages before the pipe is ready for the final inspection. The waxing of the pipe ensures that it will color evenly when it is smoked.

Pipe enthusiasts admire the intricate details on a meerschaum pipe. The traditional design has not changed much. Sultan heads and pirates are still very popular. Newer designs include floral designs, eagles, horses, medicine boxes, and lately skulls. Whatever design you may have in mind, is probably available or can be ordered. Custom designs are available for an additional price. Pipe stores usually have a variety of meerschaum pipes for sale.

Collectors and seasoned pipe smokers are aware, that this type of pipe requires certain handling techniques. Caring for this pipe is different from the care a standard briar pipe requires. These fragile pipes have to be handled with care. The cake, desired in briar pipes, is not desired in this type of pipe. Pipe cleaners and pipe sweeteners have to be used with caution. Cleaners can wear a hole in the heel of the pipe, while sweeteners can discolor the outside.


The color of a meerschaum pipe is achieved over time. The oils in all tobaccos color the material over time. Tobacco with more oil usually yields a darker color. Pipes do not have to be seasoned like the briar kind. Smoking several loads of your preferred tobacco will cure your masterpiece. The cleaner the pipe is kept, the better the smoking experience will be. Most smokers rave about the mellow taste they experience. Specialty pipe shops, with meerschaum pipes for sale, are a good place to look for one of these one of a kind, hand-carved, unique sculptures.