How to Find Sea Glass - Beach Glass- Practical tips for Success

On ocean beaches it's sea glass, on inland shores often called beach glass. Whatever the name it is broken bits of glass polished smooth by waves and sand. Most of my beach combing has been on Cape Cod or Lake Erie. Here are some tips to help you find these little gems!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A suitable beach or shoreline
• Time
• Patience

1. Start by walking 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. Then walk the same line in the opposite direction. If you found one piece of glass you most likely missed others.

2. 
    
   Ocean beach waterline

   Make your next 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 they may be tucked in the lee of larger stones.

3. 
    
   Pebbles

   After you've walked the water's edge, turn and retrace your steps but about 10-12 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.

4. 
    
   Winter beach

   Bright sunlight usually helps by reflecting glint or gleams. Don't overlook bright days in winter if the beach isn't frozen.

5. 
    
   Tributary stream

   Look for beaches near where creeks, streams, or rivers enter. Many years ago trash dumps were common along these, with bottles and other debris washing 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 very long time. Red, for example was used in automobile tail lights before World War II, until plastics replaced glass.

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 there are various colors, stick with that area. It's bound to keep producing for you.
• Be aware of incoming tide or weather warnings for the area.

[npan]

on 8/28/2009 We look for sealass all the time at the Delaware shore. your article was very helpful!

[odysseyseaglass]

on 7/18/2009 Very good tips! I read it all!

[starlet67]

on 6/26/2009 great tips for finding sea glass!

[seagems]

on 2/26/2009 Great informative article.

[dlwarn0722]

on 2/20/2009 Great advice!