mineral
Sea Glass
Amorphous Silicon Dioxide (Man-made glass weathered by nature)
Hardness of 5.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale; frosted, pitted surface texture; rounded edges; vitreous to dull luster; amorphous crystal structure.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 5.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale; frosted, pitted surface texture; rounded edges; vitreous to dull luster; amorphous crystal structure.
Formation & geological history
Formed from discarded anthropogenic glass objects (bottles, jars, tableware) that have undergone natural tumbling, abrasion, and hydration by wave action and sand in aquatic environments over decades.
Uses & applications
Commonly collected for use in jewelry making, mosaics, home decor, and coastal crafts.
Geological facts
Genuine sea glass takes anywhere from 20 to over 40 years of constant tumbling in the ocean to achieve its characteristic frosted appearance and completely smooth edges.
Field identification & locations
Found along the shores of oceans, large lakes, and rivers worldwide. Collectors look for pieces with a C-shaped pitting pattern and thoroughly frosted, non-shiny surfaces to identify genuine specimens.
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