Sea glass, also known as beach glass or mermaid's tears, is a fragment of broken bottles, jars, glassware, or ceramic objects that have spent countless years in the sea's salt water.

Discarded into the ocean or sea, the glass is tumbled and weathered by relentless forces of nature such as the sun, the abrasion from sand and rocks, and the constant action of waves and salt water.

The slightly alkaline pH of seawater slowly dissolves and pits the surface, transforming sharp glass shards into smooth, frosted gem-like pieces.

This transformation does not occur in freshwater rivers, where glass remains hard and glossy.

Vibrant colors and unique shapes make sea glass valuable to discover and collect. Common hues include green, brown, and white. Uncommon finds include blue, purple, and aqua colors, but collectors might also find rarer shades like red, orange, milk, pink, black, and multicolored.

At locations like Glass Beach in California and Seaham in the UK, rare colors of sea glass are found more frequently.

Why I Love Sea Glass Hunting

Let me tell you, I never get tired of searching for sea glass. Every piece has its own story. Sometimes, I pick up a worn green gem, and I wonder if it was an old soda bottle tossed aside by someone on a hot day.

Or maybe a red shard, which is super rare, once belonged to a vintage car taillight. What do you think about when you find a piece of sea glass? Do you try to guess its history?

Each piece of sea glass holds a tale of its own.

Each piece of sea glass holds a tale of its own. Some may have come from old shipwrecks or historic coastal towns. Others might have originated from seaside factories or ports. Every time I find a new piece, it feels like I'm holding a small fragment of history.

Sometimes, I just sit and stare at a piece, imagining the journey it took to get here. Can you picture it, too? It is been shaped by the waves, the sand, and countless years of tumbling and transformation. Sea glass connects us to the ocean’s past and the legacy of coastal life.

What Can You Do With Sea Glass?

Collecting sea glass isn’t just about keeping it in a jar — though I do love a good jar full of colorful pieces! Many folks turn their best finds into beautiful and creative items:

Jewelry - Necklaces, rings, and earrings.

Home décor - Think mosaics, candle holders, or even framed art.

Craft projects - Ever tried creating a picture or mandala out of sea glass?

Collecting sea glass reminds me of why it is so important to recycle and care for our beaches. Nature turns our trash into treasure — but not always. Wouldn’t it be better if we left less trash behind to begin with?

Where Can I Find Sea Glass?

If you are interested in sea glass hunting, knowing where to look is key — not all beaches are created equal! Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Beaches near old towns and fishing villages usually yield more glass.

Harbors, old dumping sites, and shipwreck areas are often goldmines.

Some beaches, like Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, California, are famous for their large and colorful concentrations.

Have you ever been to a beach that was full of smooth, colorful glass? It's like finding Easter eggs, but better. If you want to know the best beaches for sea glass, look for spots with strong wave action and a long history of human activity.

Why Is Fort Bragg's Glass Beach So Famous?

Let's talk about Glass Beach in Fort Bragg. I visited once, and it is absolutely blew my mind. The entire area used to be a dump site, so now the shoreline is covered in sea glass — reds, blues, greens, and even some stunning multicolored pieces.

So much glass remains on the beach because of the unique wave patterns and rocky shoreline that trap debris in place. Rather than washing out, the glass stays along the shore, tumbling and smoothing over time into beautiful, frosted pieces.

Discover why Glass Beach at Fort Bragg is a treasure chest of sea glass

How To Find Sea Glass: My Favorite Tips

Want to boost your odds of finding the good stuff? Try these sea glass hunting tips:

• Go at low tide. As the beach gets uncovered, you can spot more sea glass.
• Look after storms. The big waves move stuff around and uncover hidden gems.
• Check rocky areas and tide pools. That's where glass gets trapped and tumbled.
• Hit up beaches near old glass factories or historic dumps.
• Search in sheltered coves and bays where debris collects.

I always wear sturdy shoes because rocks can get slippery. Also, when you're out there, pay attention to the waves. The ocean is beautiful, but it can surprise you. One time, I almost got caught off guard by a big wave, so stay alert!

Identifying Sea Glass

When you pick up a piece of sea glass, you might notice a few things that help you identify it:

Color: Greens and browns are common, but blues and reds are rare.

Texture: Real sea glass feels smooth and a bit frosted, not shiny or sharp.

Shape: Sometimes, you can guess what the glass used to be, like a bottle, a plate, or even a marble.

Pieces with a maker's mark are particularly interesting, as they can sometimes be traced back to the company or even the year they were made. These details add an extra layer of enjoyment to the hobby of sea glass collecting.