Meerschaum is a special kind of Stone mined at depths of 450 feet deep in Central Anatolia .Meerschaum was first discovered in Central Anatolia about 300 years ago. It is found in very few other countries of the world. It is variously called "Meerschaum" "Venus of the Sea" "Magnesite" and "Chemically it is a hydrous natural magnesium silicate. When freshly mined,it is as soft as soap and due to its soft nature can be carved easily .As its water content reduces it becomes hard.It is used in making ornaments and pipes because of this special quality. One reason fort he manufacture and high demand of meerschaum pipes is that due to its porosity it absorbs nicotine.As a result of experiments,it was found that it acts as a natural fitler and absorbs 70 % of the nicotine . Therefore it is more healthy to smoke a meerschaum pipet han any other pipe.This absorbtion may be seen on meerschaum pipes which in time and by use , loose their original translucent ivory white colour and change first into yellow and then to a light walnut brown. This change in colours is of course valid for smoker's items only.Non smoker's items like ornaments , candle holders, chess sets which are not subjected to the nicotine will keep their original ivory white colour for years.