Sea Glass Facts

Sea glass is a unique byproduct of the ocean, created from the world's littered glass.

Sea glass is a unique byproduct of the ocean, created from the world's littered glass. Deposited into the ocean, then tumbled into shiny jewels, sea glass evolves from various glass products that have been discarded throughout history, thus making it an archaeological treasure.

Definition

Sea glass is glass tossed into the ocean. While there, the ocean waves and currents tumble it about, breaking it into smaller pieces and smoothing its edges. Sea glass washes up on nearly every beach in the world. Essentially, sea glass is litter made of glass, which is deposited into the ocean in some manner, whether by an individual on the beach who throws a soda bottle into the sea, or by a sinking ship, or some other source.

History

While there is no specific history of sea glass, sea glass itself is an archaeological piece of the history of human civilization. According to authors C.S. Lambert and Pat Hanbery, "Rich cargoes of ceramic and glass lie on the ocean's bottom, the result of shipwrecks, piracy and foul weather. The sea has also served as a dumping ground for all manner of garbage, including ceramic and glass, since the beginning of time."

Types of Sea Glass

Sea glass can have origins ranging from discarded Victorian apothecary bottles, vials and perfume bottles, to the original Clorox bleach bottles (made of glass jugs). C.S. Lambert and Pat Hanbery point out that discarded ceramic shards are also classified as sea glass, despite it not actually being made of glass.

Fake vs. Real

In addition to finding it on the beach, you can also purchase authentic sea glass in specialty shops. However, buyers should beware of the difference between fake and real sea glass. According to sea glass experts Richard LaMotte and Charles Peden of the North American Sea Glass Association, there are several ways to tell real and fake sea glass apart. For example, authentic "sea glass is often hydrated and may have a 'frosty' surface, appearing crystalline in structure... (and) small 'C' shaped patterns may emerge on the surface of the beach sea glass."

Warning

Beachcombers should be cautious while hunting for sea glass on the beach. Unfortunately, newly broken glass will often appear similarly lodged in the sand and can cut your fingers with its jagged edges (versus the soft, fine edges of actual sea glass).

Sea Glass vs. Beach Glass

Beach glass is just another term for sea glass. They are the same.

References

• "Sea Glass Chronicles: Whispers From the Past;" C.S. Lambert, Pat Hanbery; 2001
• North American Sea Glass Association