mineral

Sea Glass

Man-made vitreous material

Hardness: 5.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, Color: various frosted shades of green, brown, or clear, Luster: vitreous when wet, frosted or matte when dry, Crystal structure: amorphous solid

Hardness: 5

Identified August 5, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, Color: various frosted shades of green, brown, or clear, Luster: vitreous when wet, frosted or matte when dry, Crystal structure: amorphous solid

Formation & geological history

Formed from discarded man-made glass objects that have been weathered, tumbled, and smoothed by wave action, sand, and saltwater over decades in marine environments

Uses & applications

Collected for crafting, jewelry making, and beachcombing displays

Geological facts

Genuine sea glass takes anywhere from 20 to over 40 years of continuous tumbling in the ocean to achieve its characteristic frosted surface texture and rounded edges

Field identification & locations

Found along the shores of oceans, large lakes, and rivers worldwide, particularly near historic shipping lanes or populated coastal areas; easily identified by its smooth, frosted appearance and lack of sharp edges