Sea glass is created from fragments of discarded glass that are tumbled smooth by waves, sand and time. It comes in a wide range of beautiful colours, but differs in rarity due to reduced production or changes in fashion. A well worn piece will be smooth around the edges and feature a lovely frosty patina. If it is still sharp, it is good practise to throw these pieces back into the surf to mature for the next generation of sea glass seekers.
With stricter laws on littering and recycling sea glass is slowly becoming a rarer occurrence, making any pieces something special for future family who may not get the opportunity to have the sea glass hunting experience.
We’ve come up with a few tips to help with your searches, which with patience and (an increasingly) trained eye should be successful.
Beach Type
Sea glass is generally more abundant on pebble or stone based beaches, so if you are hunting along a sandy shoreline look for areas where larger debris or pebbles gather. A more active surf will tumble and produce better pieces than a calm inlet. Although, if the water is clear and calm enough, you could also wade out to search the shallows for sea glass depending on currents and Scottish weather.
When wet, white or light-coloured glass tends to look translucent, so its important that if the background is also light (e.g. pale sand or shells) you keep a sharp lookout.
Similarly, if the background is dark grey, black or wet stone, deep colours of green, brown, teal or blue can easily be missed. If in doubt hold up the piece to the sun to see whether light passes through, and if still unsure, wait for it to dry and look for the indicative salty patina. The deep blue and purples of mussel shells can also be very misleading when searching for those elusive cobalt’s.
Location
Although the thought of strolling along a pristine Highland beach picking up sea glass and watching the turquoise waves is idyllic, it is unfortunately not the place to find sea glass.
Although easy to forget thanks to its beauty, sea glass is ultimately a result of human littering. People AND water are the combination you need. For this reason, any area near cities, or industrial settlements are preferable as the water around them will have endured larger amounts of glass dumping throughout the years. The longer these industrial practices or towns have been situated, the higher the chance of finding more antique, high-quality pieces. Seaham, for this reason, has become the ‘sea glass mecca’ of the world with many wonderful colours and objects found as a result of the many glass factories historically being situated there.
Tides
Low tide is the best time to go sea glass hunting, with the receding water allowing many sea glass treasures to be revealed. This can be easily checked online (just make sure to put the relevant area) or be indicated by the moon phase. (A full moon can create both the highest and lowest tides)
Sun
Try and walk with the sun behind you so that a) you’re not blinded by that well known Scottish sun… b) the light will cause the sea glass to shine or sparkle, making it easier to find. Preferably wear a cap or wide brimmed hat to shade your eyes, as sunglasses will distort or dull colours, making the sea glass harder to see. That being said, a good hood and (tightly secured) cap will also help you see amongst the driving wind, rain and sleet more likely to be experienced. If you need specs, throw vanity out of the window and wear them, as it helps tremendously.
Time
To get a good haul, your search is going to take time. Allow yourself some hours to stroll and peruse the beach for sea glass. Make sure not to put pressure on yourself. Celebrate the views, and make sure to allow breaks for your neck, eyes and back; when done right, sea glass hunting can be very mindful. If this can only be achieved by planning ahead, do that. Whatever it takes to make it enjoyable. Talking of planning ahead, plenty of time on the beach means enduring the changeable Scottish weather so let’s talk...
Clothing
Pack a car/rucksack/van full of it. Preferably trousers and jackets that are waterproof, but remember the coast has stronger winds so a windstopper fabric and gloves can be a good idea.
Likewise shoes that are waterproof and have grippy soles will stop you sliding on wet rocks or seaweed.
Something to carry any sea glass found can be useful, preferably something which is reasonably cushioned as it is still able to chip or break. If not, pockets are fine. Just make sure they are deep, abundant, and be prepared to find random pieces when out and about elsewhere. Avoid plastic bags, and if you find any while hunting, please pick it up and put it in the recycling when you get home.
Storms
Some if the best sea glass finds can be discovered after a storm. The tidal surges and bigger waves can churn up long buried treasures, so make sure to explore after storms for a better chance of finding unusual colours and interesting finds.