Sea glass

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Sea Glass in several colors and shapes.

Sea glass (or beach glass) is glass found on beaches along oceans or large lakes that has been tumbled and smoothed by the water and sand, creating small pieces of smooth, frosted glass. Sea glass originates from bottles and jars that enter the water as litter and become broken up by the waves and rocks. Green, clear, brown, and amber beach glass is common (consider the most common colors of beer-bottles), though light blues, yellows and pink varieties have also been known to appear. Much more rare are grey, purple and bright red varieties. Red sea glass is found only once for every 5,000 pieces found.

Like gathering shells or stones, collecting sea glass is a hobby among beach goers, and many enjoy filling decorative jars or making jewelry from their finds. Generally, the sea glass that one finds has local origins; glass found in a particular location generally would have begun its transformation within the immediate vicinity. This is not always the case—some beaches have a much higher rate of transitory particulates, in which case beach glass particles may travel for several miles. It is rare for sea glass to have traveled farther than this.

Sea glass can also be produced artificially by using a rock tumbler, and some companies sell artificially produced sea glass to tourists or make jewelry from it.

Sea glass is one of the only objects made valuable by the actions of the environment on man-made litter.