mineral
Sea Glass
Amorphous silicon dioxide (glass)
Hardness of 5.5-7 on Mohs scale. Varies in color, often green, blue, brown, or white/clear. Frosted, pitted luster. Amorphous structure. No cleavage.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 5.5-7 on Mohs scale. Varies in color, often green, blue, brown, or white/clear. Frosted, pitted luster. Amorphous structure. No cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Formed by the weathering of manufactured glass (bottles, jars, etc.) tumbling in ocean or freshwater environments over decades.
Uses & applications
Used primarily in jewelry making, crafting, and collected by hobbyists.
Geological facts
True sea glass takes 20 to 50 years, and sometimes up to 100 years, to acquire its characteristic texture and shape.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its frosty appearance and smoothly rounded edges without sharp points. Commonly found on beaches worldwide. Collectors value rare colors like orange, red, and turquoise.
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