sedimentary
Sea Glass
Amorphous silicon dioxide (Man-made glass weathered by wave action)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 5.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, frosted or matte surface texture, amorphous crystal structure, and conchoidal fracture.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 5.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, frosted or matte surface texture, amorphous crystal structure, and conchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Formed from discarded man-made glass objects that have been tumbled, abraded, and weathered by natural wave action and sand in aquatic environments over decades.
Uses & applications
Used primarily in coastal arts, crafts, jewelry making, and collected by beachcombers worldwide.
Geological facts
Genuine sea glass requires 20 to 40 years of tumbling in the ocean to achieve its characteristic frosted texture and smooth edges.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its frosted, C-shaped pitting patterns under magnification and smooth, rounded edges found along ocean beaches and lake shores.
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