Meerschaum Coloring with Spots?

[DeWitt1912]

Just saw this was in the Tobacco discussion thread, so moved it here.


Is it normal for spots like this to appear? It started out as a translucent spot that started coloring fast, and now there's even a drip stain. I can only guess and say there's a fault in the meerschaum and that area is filled with wax, and so it's coloring and even dripping?

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

I'm not sure there is a normal, or abnormal, with Meers. That one does seem different for a Meer but it's just keep smoking it. Not sure what your alternative would be.

 

[seanv]

How many times have you smoked it? There is no other coloring that I see in the picture. Very odd and maybe unfortunately, a defect in the meer. As stated, keep smoking it and see what happens.

 

[lukasstrifeson]

Are you holding the pipe there when you smoke?

Meerschaum's do tend to start coloring at the bottom of the bowl/shank area, so this is not abnormal. The drip stain you mentioned is odd, will probably need a better quality/closer picture to diagnose it further.

 

[metalheadycigarguy]

All meerschaum pipes color different, but most will start coloring on the shank or bottom of the bowl. The spot you're referring to, is mostly where you are holding the pipe. I have several meers that have spots from where I hold the pipe, and it's just part of the coloring process. As the pipe colors more it will blend in with the other coloring. I wouldn't worry about it, and just enjoy your pipe.

 

[jpmcwjr]

If there's anything showing inside the chamber in that area, please post a photo.

 

[VDL_Piper]

Almost looks like its been in contact with something hot externally. Could you have placed it against your lighter or near some heat source?

 

[DeWitt1912]

Almost looks like its been in contact with something hot externally. Could you have placed it against your lighter or near some heat source?

When I got it it was pearly white, and I didn't put any external heat on it.

If there's anything showing inside the chamber in that area, please post a photo.

None that I can see.

Are you holding the pipe there when you smoke?

Not really, because it gets hot fast. I have to hold this one from the stem.

How many times have you smoked it? There is no other coloring that I see in the picture.

I've smoked it probably ten times now? The picture is a bit deceptive. There is definitely some off-white yellowing of the pipe, especially around where the stem inserts and some pink at the top of the bowl. And of course this brown spot.

 

[warren]

It;s a naturally formed mineral. How it colors, naturally, is one of the great pluses of meerschaum. Well, except for the overly impatient owners. Those folks keep the bee's wax providers in business. They prefer baby shit brown external coloring.

 

[dottlejockey]

My Fatih started coloring a spot right away, too, albeit on the back side of the bowl. Also noticed it got a little hotter there. I'm with the smoke it and let it do what it's gonna do crowd.

 

[kcghost]

Sounds like you smoking the meer too fast. If you are, slow down. If not, the advice about meer coloring (it's going to color where it wants to) must be remembered.

 

[DeWitt1912]

A lot of good responses here. I did a bit of research before I got this pipe and was expecting a non uniform coloring, I was just surprised with this dark spot. I'm not worried about it. I'm enjoying the pipe quite a bit, just don't like that the shank "screws" in.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Enjoying the pipe is an excellent place to be!

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Why: It will save time for others when you mention local stores, weather, tobacco prices, availability, regulations, location of photos, wildfires, air quality, etc.
How: Under your avatar, (top right, left most of three symbols) you choose "Account Details", which brings up "My Account". "My Location" is halfway down.

 

[xrundog]

It’s not normal coloring. It’s a hot spot. That is the thinnest area between chamber and exterior for that shape. Maybe it’s too thin. Or maybe there’s a pit inside the material.

 

[Infantry23]

2 questions....

1- do you have any up-to-date pictures?

2- who is the maker of the pipe? That may not matter as to your coloring question, but I was intrigued because I like the shape.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Which pipe do you mean?

And photos- please no white against black, nor dark pipes against white.

 

[stewartu]

Meerschaum is a fickle mistress. Just keep on smoking it. Each is unique.