mineral
Sea Glass
Man-made silicate glass (Amorphous silicon dioxide)
Hardness of 5.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale; frosted, weathered appearance with a vitreous to dull luster; amorphous crystal structure; no cleavage; specific gravity around 2.4 to 2.8.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 5.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale; frosted, weathered appearance with a vitreous to dull luster; amorphous crystal structure; no cleavage; specific gravity around 2.4 to 2.8.
Formation & geological history
Formed from discarded glass products (bottles, jars, windows) that have undergone mechanical weathering by wave action, sand, and salt water over decades in aquatic environments.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry making, mosaic art, crafts, home decor, and collected by beachcombers.
Geological facts
Genuine sea glass requires 20 to 40 years of tumbling in the ocean to achieve its characteristic frosted texture and smooth edges. Rare colors like red, orange, and turquoise are highly coveted by collectors.
Field identification & locations
Found along beaches of oceans, large lakes, and rivers worldwide. Identified by its frosted, C-shaped pitting patterns under magnification and lack of sharp edges.
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