My new meer-lined pipe smells weird

[omariam]

Hello my fellow pipe smokers,
I'm new in this forum and to smoking pipes in general. Yesterday I bought my first meerschaum-lined pipe and noticed that it had an unpleasant smell and I'm wondering is this the smell of meerschaum? And if it is, is it going to be like this always or it's just so because the pipe is new?
Thanks for your help in advance.
Ahmed

 

[peter70]

If it is a new pipe, chances are, that this Meerschaum liner is not block Meerschaum, but a composite material from pressed Meerschaum dust, so this smell could come from the binding agent. It will probably go away after a few smokes, but if you are uncomfortable with it, send the pipe back.

 

[shaintiques]

Meerschaum does have its own smell and taste. Sort of a fragrant soap taste and smell.