Literally translated from the German word, meerschaum means “sea foam”. This name reflects it characteristics of lightness in weight and in color. It is one of the most porous substances found in nature. It is a mineral, Hydrous Magnesium Silicate. This mineral is found in the open plains of central Turkey. Meerschaum is mined from depths of up to 500 feet and is brought to carvers in various size blocks or lumps called stones. It is then hand carved into what many consider one of the finest smoking pipes available for it will not burn out and is considered by pipe smokers to be the perfect material for a cool, dry smoke. Royal Meerschaum Pipes has an outstanding selection of these superior smoking pipes.