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25-056
Meerschaum Mining Activities in Eskisehir, Turkiye
Mahmut Yavuz
Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, TURKIYE
INTRODUCTION
In German, meerschaum, meaning “sea froth,” is referred
to in Old Uighur Turkish as Tolay kopugu, in Ottoman
Turkish as Derya kopugu, and in modern Turkish as Luletasi.
Scientifically known as sepiolite, it is represented by the
formula Si12Mg8O30(OH)4(H2O)4(8H2O). Sepiolite is
a natural clay mineral composed of hydrous magnesium
silicate, characterized by a structure of alternating blocks
and tunnels that develop in the direction of the fiber. Each
structural block contains two silica tetrahedral sheets sur-
rounding a central layer of magnesium oxide- hydroxide.
Sepiolite exists in two distinct forms in nature: alpha-sepio-
lite and beta-sepiolite. Alpha- sepiolite is amorphous, com-
pact, and resembles pellets that look like sea froth, hence its
Turkish name Luletasi. In contrast, beta-sepiolite appears as
amorphous aggregates or small, flat, round particles. These
two forms exhibit different physical properties.
Meerschaum was also studied by Brauner and Preisinger
in 1958, who agreed that it primarily consists of sepiolite
(2MgO·3SiO2·nH2O). According to these researchers,
water is present in its mineral, zeolitic, crystal, and struc-
tural forms. Meerschaum is commonly used for adsorbing
various liquids, as an ion exchanger, and for dispersing and
insulating paraffin in the chemical industry (Gokdemir and
Dogan, 2011).
Sepiolite deposits of the meerschaum type are primar-
ily found in Turkey, Somalia, Tanzania, Kenya, and Mexico.
Alongside high-quality, low-density, and highly porous
meerschaum, Somalia also has sedimentary sepiolite forma-
tions. The total reserves of these deposits are estimated at
around 50–100 million tons (Sariiz and Isik, 1995).
Meerschaum, also known as “white gold” or “sepio-
lite,” is a unique mineral highly prized for its lightness,
heat- resistant properties, and ability to be carved into intri-
cate designs. Found predominantly in Eskisehir, Turkiye,
meerschaum mining and processing have become signifi-
cant contributors to the local economy and cultural heri-
tage. This paper explores the history, economic importance,
mining practices, and environmental impacts of meer-
schaum mining in Eskisehir and discusses the challenges
and opportunities faced by the industry.
HISTORICAL OVERVIEW OF
MEERSCHAUM MINING
Meerschaum has a long history dating back thousands of
years. Archaeological research at Demirci Höyük uncovered
an artifact made of meerschaum, dated to around 3000
BC. Archaeological excavations indicate that meerschaum-
type sepiolite has been known and used globally for roughly
5,000 years for various purposes. The sepiolite found in the
Eskisehir region is considered among the oldest, a fact sup-
ported by some archaeologists. An ancient artifact is pre-
served at the Eskisehir Archaeology Museum as shown in
Figure 1.
Figure 1. An ancient art work of meerschaum
25-056
Meerschaum Mining Activities in Eskisehir, Turkiye
Mahmut Yavuz
Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, TURKIYE
INTRODUCTION
In German, meerschaum, meaning “sea froth,” is referred
to in Old Uighur Turkish as Tolay kopugu, in Ottoman
Turkish as Derya kopugu, and in modern Turkish as Luletasi.
Scientifically known as sepiolite, it is represented by the
formula Si12Mg8O30(OH)4(H2O)4(8H2O). Sepiolite is
a natural clay mineral composed of hydrous magnesium
silicate, characterized by a structure of alternating blocks
and tunnels that develop in the direction of the fiber. Each
structural block contains two silica tetrahedral sheets sur-
rounding a central layer of magnesium oxide- hydroxide.
Sepiolite exists in two distinct forms in nature: alpha-sepio-
lite and beta-sepiolite. Alpha- sepiolite is amorphous, com-
pact, and resembles pellets that look like sea froth, hence its
Turkish name Luletasi. In contrast, beta-sepiolite appears as
amorphous aggregates or small, flat, round particles. These
two forms exhibit different physical properties.
Meerschaum was also studied by Brauner and Preisinger
in 1958, who agreed that it primarily consists of sepiolite
(2MgO·3SiO2·nH2O). According to these researchers,
water is present in its mineral, zeolitic, crystal, and struc-
tural forms. Meerschaum is commonly used for adsorbing
various liquids, as an ion exchanger, and for dispersing and
insulating paraffin in the chemical industry (Gokdemir and
Dogan, 2011).
Sepiolite deposits of the meerschaum type are primar-
ily found in Turkey, Somalia, Tanzania, Kenya, and Mexico.
Alongside high-quality, low-density, and highly porous
meerschaum, Somalia also has sedimentary sepiolite forma-
tions. The total reserves of these deposits are estimated at
around 50–100 million tons (Sariiz and Isik, 1995).
Meerschaum, also known as “white gold” or “sepio-
lite,” is a unique mineral highly prized for its lightness,
heat- resistant properties, and ability to be carved into intri-
cate designs. Found predominantly in Eskisehir, Turkiye,
meerschaum mining and processing have become signifi-
cant contributors to the local economy and cultural heri-
tage. This paper explores the history, economic importance,
mining practices, and environmental impacts of meer-
schaum mining in Eskisehir and discusses the challenges
and opportunities faced by the industry.
HISTORICAL OVERVIEW OF
MEERSCHAUM MINING
Meerschaum has a long history dating back thousands of
years. Archaeological research at Demirci Höyük uncovered
an artifact made of meerschaum, dated to around 3000
BC. Archaeological excavations indicate that meerschaum-
type sepiolite has been known and used globally for roughly
5,000 years for various purposes. The sepiolite found in the
Eskisehir region is considered among the oldest, a fact sup-
ported by some archaeologists. An ancient artifact is pre-
served at the Eskisehir Archaeology Museum as shown in
Figure 1.
Figure 1. An ancient art work of meerschaum