mineral
Sea Glass
Amorphous silicon dioxide (SiO2) - Man-made glass tumbled by nature
Hardness: 5.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale; Color: Clear or white (frosted/patina surface); Luster: Vitreous to dull/frosted; Crystal structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.4 to 2.8
- Hardness
- 5
- Color
- Clear or white (frosted/patina surface)
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull/frosted
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale; Color: Clear or white (frosted/patina surface); Luster: Vitreous to dull/frosted; Crystal structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.4 to 2.8
Formation & geological history
Formed from discarded or broken human-made glass items (bottles, jars, etc.) that have been subjected to natural mechanical weathering, wave action, and tumbling in marine environments over decades.
Uses & applications
Commonly collected as a hobby, used in artisanal jewelry making, home decor, mosaics, and crafts.
Geological facts
Genuine sea glass requires 20 to 40 years (sometimes much longer) of constant tumbling in the ocean to achieve its characteristic frosted, C-shaped pit texture.
Field identification & locations
Found along coastlines, beaches, and shores of large lakes. Easily identified by its smooth, frosted exterior, rounded edges, and absence of sharp angles typical of broken glass.
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