About Sea Glass

sea glass image
Natural Sea Glass

Sea glass is glass that has been in salt water long enough for it to change– on the inside and the outside. (Glass found in fresh water does not exhibit the same characteristics). Along with the dragging and pulling of the waves the Ph balance of salt water will slowly dissolve glass which gives it its smooth satiny finish.  On the video below, see and HEAR the sound of rocks–and glass– being pushed in and pulled back out to sea.

The variety of sea glass’s shapes and colors make it a wonderful medium for everything from jewelry to wind chimes.  Check out these pages for Creative Uses for Sea Glass

The colors of sea glass are limited ONLY by the colors of glass made throughout history. There are various whites — milk bottles, glassware, soda bottles; greens — beer bottles, olive oil bottles, soda bottles; blues–medicine bottles, Vicks Vapo Rub, and some beers; reds and oranges— housewares, incense and perfume bottles, early beer bottles; lavenders and pinks–perfumes, early serving dishes, glass panes; and more. In addition to color — you will also find pieces that are thicker than others and some that even have markings, dates and writing.

Sea glass can be found all around the world because our oceans have been used as a way to get rid of trash. Like Lily’s story in the book Max, Mollie, and the Magic of Sea Glass  the glass could have come from pirate ships, sunken vessels, or someone’s dinner table.

The water’s constant pushing and pulling of the glass plus the salt in the water creates the change in the glass. These two short videos demonstrate the constant movement of the water plus the power of the waves.

Color and Value: Some sea glass may be valuable. Depending on color.

Sea glass can be gauged in the same terms as gemstones — including “inclusions”, “clarity”, “color”, “facets” and “purity.” However, in sea glass inclusions and “impurities” are excellent qualities. Most people prefer their sea glass “frosted” instead of clear (unless there are “inclusions”).

If there are pits in the surface of the glass, giving it its soft feel, this comes from a process called hydration. This is when the soda and lime used in making the glass leaches out of the glass, leaving the small pits. The soda and lime often react with minerals in the sea water, forming new mineral deposits on the surface of the glass. This is what gives the glass a “sparkling” appearance.

You can find more information about color and clarity of sea glass at http://www.bytheseajewelry.com/theglass/color.php

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.