Meerschaum

Meerschaum is also known as sepiolite. It is a very fine-grained, soft, and light rock. Meerschaum occurs as compact, opaque masses with a chalky or earthy appearance. It may be white or grey with a yellowish or reddish tinge. Easily fashioned and often intricately carved, meerschaum is still used in Turkey for bowls for tobacco pipes. With use, the smoke changes the white stone to attractive yellow color.

Meerschaum stone has a dull and earthy luster. In addition, its surface is light, porous, and creamy white. It is common to make beads and cameo out of meerschaum stone. In Turkey, meerschaum is used to make a bead necklace.

Occurrence

The most important source of meerschaum is Eskischehir in Turkey. Other localities include Greece, Spain, the USA, and Czech Republic/Slovakia.

Meerschaum Properties

• Specific Gravity: 1.50
• Refractive Index: 1.51-1.53
• Birefringence (DR): None
• Luster: Dull to greasy
• Crystal Structure: Monoclinic
• Composition: Hydrated magnesium silicate
• Hardness: 2½

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