FAQ's About The Jewelry And Sea Glass

Does The Rough Sea Break The Glass?

Most of my sea glass collecting experience has taken place in Puerto Rico where I did a lot of hiking along streams and rivers and witnessed broken glass and whole bottles in streambeds and on riverbanks. Based on my own experience I believe that the glass that becomes sea glass was broken before it finds it's way to the ocean. If it did then broken sharp glass would be washing up on beaches as opposed to glass that is smooth and softened. The water cushions the glass while allowing just enough impact with suspended sand, rocks and the sea floor to abrade it without breaking it. You may find sea glass that had at one point been fully frosted by the sea but then was later broken when the sea threw it against a sea wall or rocky shoreline, as during these conditions there may be very little or no water between the glass and a very hard surface.

Imagine the difference between throwing a handful of marbles into an empty swimming pool. Most of the marbles would shatter. Then imagine throwing a handful of marbles into a swimming pool full of water. The marbles would descent gently to the bottom of the pool because the water is cushioning them. Over a period of time the marbles would show signs of abrasion from rolling around the surface of the pool.

How Long Does It Take Sharp Glass To Be Completely Worn Smooth In The Sea?

No one nows for sure. The general consensus is that it takes decades for the sea to transform a piece of sharp broken glass into a beautifully frosted treasure. In areas with powerful surf glass is transformed at a quicker rate than in areas that have little wave action.

Mermaids Tears?

There are a few different terms for sea glass such as beach glass, drift glass or mermaids tears. In writing you will sometimes see seaglass or beachglass. Sea glass can also be called beach glass. In the Great Lakes regions beach glass is the term used. There is even such a thing as river glass!

Colorful Sand?

The sea is always in motion. Eventually any glass in the ocean will be worn down into tiny grains of sand. Imagine a beach with beautiful luminous blue, aqua or red sand. Of course there is not enough sea glass for this to happen...Unless collected sea glass will be swept back to sea where it will undergo constant change emerging next time as a slightly different and smaller piece of sea glass.