My first, and only meerschaum was picked up from an antique store just to have. I finally decided to start smoking it. Several smokes later, something odd happened. I was tending to hold it in my mouth instead of getting oily hands all over it....for a cheap meer.....I don't care what's said...this puts pressure on the shank. So, heat + pressure = not good. While smoking, on a windy day without thinking the pipe got a little hot, and I got to hear a nice popping noise. saw a crack from side to side. Instead of being done with it, I keep smoking it. I now hold it with my hands without worry, and am not concerned if it colors "properly" because I'm kind of liking my own personal touch. If I get around to it, will post pictures. Interestingly enough...around the bowl after it got so hot...it turned pink. Anyone else have pink in a meer? Let's hear if something broke your meerschaum how it happened.
