How to Find Sea Glass or Beach Glass
Beachcombers across the world spend their free time searching for broken bits of glass polished smooth by waves and sand. On ocean beaches, collectors call the shiny shards sea glass. On inland shores, enthusiasts refer to the naturally polished fragments as beach glass. In the United States, beachcombers often congregate on the shores of Cape Cod or Lake Erie to discover the colorful gems often used in custom jewelry.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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1
Walk in one direction along the wrack line--the line of debris left by the last high tide or storm. Examine closely places with many tiny stones. Walk the same line in the opposite direction. If you found one piece of glass, search the area again for pieces you might have missed.
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2
Make another pass along the beach at the water's edge. Walk slowly, sweeping your eyes from your feet ahead about a couple yards and from side to side in an arc of a couple yards away from water. Examine pockets of small stones for glass. On rocky beaches, the pieces may be tucked in the lee of larger stones.
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3
Turn and retrace your steps about 10 to 12 feet away from the water, again sweeping your eyes from feet to ahead and side to side. Repeat these passes until you have covered the beach.
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4
Watch for reflective surfaces. Bright sunlight usually helps by reflecting glint or gleams. Don't overlook bright days in winter if the beach isn't frozen.
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5
Comb beaches near where creeks, streams or rivers enter. Many years ago trash dumps were common along these paths where bottles and other debris washed into the lake or ocean. Some of the finest glass gems have been polished by waves and sand for decades.
Some of the rarest colors are from glass that hasn't been common for a long time. Red glass, for example, was used in automobile taillights before World War II until plastics replaced glass.
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Tips & Warnings
Comb beaches and shorelines that are accessible to the public unless you have permission to cross private property.
When you find a beach with several pieces of glass, especially if various colors exist, stick with that area. It's bound to produce more specimens.
Be aware of incoming tide or weather warnings for the area.
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References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
Comments
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seagems
Feb 26, 2009
Great informative article. -
Lisl Armstrong
May 22, 2008
I really enjoyed this article - great pictures. Thanks so much for sharing.
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Judgeguy
Jan 05, 2008
It is a fun hobby. I've probably collected enough over the years to make a patio, but have sold some, given lots away, and used it for other things. Good luck with your glass hunting!
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grouch
Jan 05, 2008
This sounds like a fun day of hide and seek. I would love to be able to find enough to make an entire patio. This glass is so reflective it makes a great sun caughter.
