Round Carved Meerschaum Pipe Handmade Meerschaum Block Meerschaum. Meerschaum pipe is a pipe made from the mineral sepiolite and is actually a German term. Also known as sea foam, this substance is usually found in Eskisehir and resembles sea foam. Around 1723, the making of meerschaum pipes was first recorded. It has been coveted as an ideal material to provide a cool, dry, aromatic smoke in a short time. Moisture in meerschaum and tobacco tar is drawn deep into the stone due to its porous structure. Meerschaum has become a luxurious replacement for today's clay pipes and remains coveted to this day, while briar pipes have been the most popular pipes since the mid-1800s.