Mineraloid (Anthropogenic)
Sea Glass
Amorphous Silica (SiO2) with various additives
Hardness: 5.5-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Kelly green, emerald green; Luster: Frosted, matte, or satiny; Crystal Structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.4-2.8
- Hardness
- 5
- Color
- Kelly green, emerald green
- Luster
- Frosted, matte, or satiny
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5.5-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Kelly green, emerald green; Luster: Frosted, matte, or satiny; Crystal Structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.4-2.8
Formation & geological history
Formed through the mechanical and chemical weathering of discarded glass jars, bottles, or tableware in saline water environments. It takes 20 to 50 years of tumbling in the ocean surf to produce the characteristic frosted texture.
Uses & applications
Primarily used for jewelry (pendants, earrings), mosaic art, home decor, and as a popular beachcombing collectible.
Geological facts
Green is one of the more common colors of sea glass, often originating from 20th-century beer, soda, and wine bottles. Truly frosted 'jewelry grade' sea glass is becoming rarer due to the increased use of plastic packaging.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its rounded, non-sharp edges and 'C-shaped' hydration marks on the surface. Found on rocky or pebbly shorelines near historical dumping sites or high-current coastal areas.
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