Where to look · 2 min read
Sea glass: colors and rarity
The short answer: White, brown and green are common. Cobalt and cornflower blue are rare. Red, orange, yellow and turquoise are the real prizes.
Know the colors
Common: clear, brown, kelly green. Less common: seafoam, soft blue, amber. Rare: cobalt, cornflower blue, lavender. Very rare: red, orange, yellow, turquoise and very dark 'black' glass.
Check it's real
Real sea glass has a frosted surface, often with tiny C-shaped marks from years in the waves. Craft 'beach glass' is evenly frosted and oddly uniform in size and color.
Know where to look
Beaches near old towns, harbors and historic dump sites, especially after storms and at low tide.
Warnings
- Some beaches, especially in parks, don't allow removing glass or stones. Check the posted rules.
Identify rocks on the spot with Rarestone for iPhone: point your camera at a rock and tap it. Get the app.
Photos: hunting for sea glass by my little red suitcase, CC BY 2.0 · Brookings Sea Glass by Brett Murphy by OregonDOT, CC BY 2.0. General information only: rules, safety and values vary, so check locally and ask an expert when it matters.