Sea Glass
Beachcombing is a favorite past time. There is something intriguing about never quite knowing what you'll find. While many Outer Banks beachcombers look for seashells, others look for colorful sea glass- shards of glass that have been worn smooth in the ocean.
Pure Seaglass: Discovering Nature's Vanishing Gems, written by Richard LaMotte with photos by Celia Pearson is an excellent primer for those who want to learn more about the treasures of sea glass.
LaMotte describes each color of glass (including rare colors like yellow and pink) and what types of containers were made from each. In addition to the history of glass, tips for where and when to collect are given. Did you know that the recycling movement that began in the 1970s made sea glass more difficult to find?
Pure Seaglass: Discovering Nature's Vanishing Gems is available at local bookstores and the library.
I love searching for beach glass! I need a red piece to finish out my collection.
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Yes, red is difficult to find. Good luck in your searching!
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Have never been to the east coast nor found sea glass.... I am so anxious to go treasure hunting. Is there a better spot or tide-time or such to go finding sea glass?
Also what are best activities for Mid-April?
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Yes! The best time to search for sea glass (and other treasures) is at low tide, especially a low tide with a west wind. When the wind blows from the west it blows the ocean out and leaves more shell beds exposed.
Sea glass hunting has been great this winter. In the past month I found a very nice purple piece AND a piece of yellow glass. My first ever!
Mid-April should be an excellent time to visit. The weather should be warm, and the crowds thin.
Elizabethan Gardens is exquisite in April when the azaleas and dogwood are in bloom. Make sure you check out the current exhibit at the Outer Banks History Center too! "The Outer Banks Now and Then"
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Just thought I would let you know that I found my first red piece of sea glass on Saturday! It is a tiny sliver but red none the less! Oh and my friend found her first piece of glass and it was a nice sized grey one(very rare). Happy Hunting!
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