mineral

Sea Glass

Amorphous silicon dioxide (SiO2) - Man-made glass tumbled by nature

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

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

Identified August 5, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

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.