Sea foam stone – properties, virtues & benefits
Sea foam stone is a rare, fine stone sought after for its unique blue-green color reminiscent of crystalline ocean waters. It is often used in jewelry for its aesthetic properties and symbolic meaning linked to the sea and nature. Discover the characteristics and uses of this fascinating stone.
SEA ECUMA CHARACTERISTICS
- Chakra: Throat (5th chakra).
- Properties: Communication, self-expression, self-confidence, connection with the water element.
- Astrology: Neptune.
- Zodiac: Pisces.
- Elements: Water.
- Colors: Blue-green.
- Hardness: 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale.
- Chemical Formula: Composed of copper and aluminum silicate.
- Associated god: Poseidon or Neptune.
SEA STONE – ITS HISTORY
Seafoam stone has been used primarily to make soaps and building materials, but it has also been used to make Pipes and cigar holders. Meerschaum stone Pipes were considered a prestige symbol for upper-class smokers, although briar Pipes became the French specialty later on. The manufacturing process for meerschaum Pipes involves a product that is both turned and carved, and carefully crafted to perfection. Meerschaum stone is resistant to fire and heat, and has a natural porosity that allows definitive coloring due to tobacco absorption, while keePing the taste of tobacco intact thanks to its neutral pH. Meerschaum Pipes are lightweight but quite fragile, which can make smokers skeptical about their use and high cost.
Vienna is traditionally the main producer of meerschaum accessories, but the ban on the export of raw meerschaum to Turkey since the 1970s has led to the disappearance of former local craftsmen. The manufacture of non-Turkish meerschaum Pipes is now based on pressed meerschaum from Africa, an inferior quality. Nevertheless, some distributors in France continue to import genuine meerschaum such as Jademir or Ecume des Roses. Pipe clubs, hobbyists and specialized civets still sell meerschaum cigarette products on the market. In addition, a meerschaum-like material called Lånbangshyttan or Aphrodite, originating in Sweden, is also available on the market.
SEA ECUMA STONE – ITS ORIGIN AND COMPOSITION
Seafoam is a natural mineral that is initially white in color and is highly prized for its lightness. Although it resembles meerschaum, it is easily recognized for its soft texture. Ernst Friedrich Glocker named sePiolite seafoam stone after its shape, which is similar to that of cuttlefish bones. SePiolite is generally grayish-white and opaque, but can sometimes be creamy or have a fibrous texture. Seafoam stone is extremely brittle, with a Mohs hardness of just 2, making it scratchable with a fingernail. Its porosity can lead to estimation errors due to its low density, which ranges from 0.988 to 1.279.
The formula for meerschaum is H4Mg2Si3O10, in the magnesium hydrogen silicate category. The main source of meerschaum is Asia Minor, in particular the Eskişehir moors in Turkey, where it is extracted from shafts and horizontal galleries. Serpentine, composed of magnesium carbonate and organic compounds, is the elemental source of both minerals.
In addition to Turkey, Sweden also has meerschaum deposits on the islands of Evia and Samos, as well as at Thebes. Other countries such as Spain, France and Morocco also exploit it, but in limited quantities. In the United States, it can be mined in Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Utah. An extraction process is required to obtain a specific product from meerschaum, which, although originally soft, hardens during the drying process.
SEA ECUMA STONE – VERTIES AND PROPERTIES
According to lithotherapy, seafoam stone or sePiolite has many beneficial virtues for mind and body. It is known to lighten the mind and relieve migraines. It is also beneficial for fracture healing and intestinal cleansing. In short, people in need of soothing and relaxation can find benefits in using meerschaum. This mineral is considered an essential solution for caring for the body.
SEA SHELLFISH ON THE PSYCHOLOGICAL LEVEL
From a psychological point of view, seafoam or sePiolite is known to help solve common everyday problems. It can calm the mind in situations of extreme decision-making and ward off negative thoughts. It is also useful for balancing the mind, strengthening memory and attention, and dispelling fears, thus promoting a more stable and serene life. People who wear meerschaum are often more inclined to be conciliatory with this mineral. Although magnesite has similar visual properties to meerschaum, these two minerals have different compositions.
SEA CREAM PHYSICALLY
Lack of magnesium can cause irritability and headaches. On a physical level, seafoam stone is beneficial for bones, as 50-60% of bones contain magnesium. It can help strengthen bones and relieve cramps. For its properties to work effectively, it is recommended to place the stone on the root chakra. It can also help treat various disorders such as intestinal problems, as it acts directly to purify the intestines. In addition to its purifying virtues, meerschaum can also help relieve migraines and act positively on the sinuses when placed on the crown chakra.
SEA ECUMA STONE – CLEAN AND RECHARGE
Seafoam stone is a natural material often used to make Pipes and cigar holders. Like any natural material, it can become dirty or tarnished over time. Fortunately, there are ways to clean and refill seafoam stone to restore its original shine.
To clean seafoam stone, start by removing any tobacco or ash residue by gently shaking the Pipe or cigar holder. Next, use a soft brush to remove any dirt or deposits from the stone’s surface. You can also use a soft cloth or sponge to clean the stone with warm, soapy water. Don’t forget to rinse the stone with clear water after cleaning to remove any soap residue.
To recharge your meerschaum stone, we recommend that you allow it to dry completely after cleaning. You can then apply a small amount of vegetable oil or kerosene oil to the surface of the stone using a soft cloth. This will help restore the stone’s natural moisture and give it a beautiful shine.
It’s important to note that seafoam stone is a fragile material and can crack or break if mishandled or poorly maintained. It is therefore important to take care when cleaning and handling meerschaum stone. With proper care, however, meerschaum stone can last for years and provide a pleasant, elegant smoking experience.
WHERE DOES THE NAME ÉCUME DE MER COME FROM?
The name “seafoam” for this stone is probably due to its frothy, white appearance, reminiscent of sea foam. However, there is also a theory that the name comes from the method of collecting the stone from coastal waters. According to this theory, blocks of stone are collected from the surface of the water like foam, hence the name “meerschaum”.
Seafoam stone is mainly extracted from the seabed off the Turkish coast. It consists of fossilized sea foam, making it a unique and popular material for Pipes and other handicrafts.
WHICH CHAKRA DOES SEA ECUMA ACT ON?
Seafoam is often associated with the throat chakra, which is located at throat level and is associated with communication, self-expression and creativity. Blue or turquoise seafoam stones in particular are considered particularly effective for balancing and opening the throat chakra, as they are associated with the energy of the water element and emotional healing.
WHICH ASTROLOGICAL SIGN IS ASSOCIATED WITH SEA SPARK?
Sea foam is often associated with the astrological sign Cancer. Cancer is a water sign ruled by the Moon, and seafoam is also associated with the element of water due to its marine origin. People born under the sign of Cancer are considered sensitive, emotional and creative, and can benefit from seafoam’s soothing, balancing energy.
SEA FOAM STONE SUMMARY
“La Ecume de Mer” is a novel by Françoise Bourdon published in 2003. Set in Brittany at the beginning of the 20th century, the story follows the life of Marie, a young girl working in a fish canning factory. One day, Marie discovers a precious stone – seafoam – in a sardine she is preparing. She decides to sell it to help her family, who are living in poverty. But her discovery attracts the attention of a number of characters, some of them ill-intentioned. Marie will have to show courage to protect her family and keep the stone. The novel tackles the themes of solidarity, family and working-class conditions at the time.