It would be wrong to say that sea glass comes in the colors of the rainbow. It would also be wrong to say that it comes in every color in which glass has been made. Sea glass comes in some typical shades, for sure. But “sea” can also be applied to more substances than just glass.

White/Clear Sea Glass

The most common shade of sea glass comes obviously from things ranging from milk bottles to plate glass. Where we go, bottle tops (partials) are most commonly clear/white sea glass. I use the term white since, especially when dry, clear sea glass can be frosted to the point of appearing to be white.

Glass made with baking soda has a greenish tint to it (think old Coke bottles) that is quite nice.

Coke Bottle/Soda Glass

The glass from an old fashioned Coca-Cola bottle (or similar) is pretty distinctive. As a piece of sea glass, it is perhaps the most beautiful. It is not rare like blue (or red for that matter), but it looks amazing. Especially tumbling in the gentle low-tide surf, it glows in the sunlight like nothing else.

Milk Glass

I’m always on the lookout for a piece of milk glass sea glass. I have the only two pieces. As such, these are much rarer than even blue. Finding milk glass is especially challenging on a beach strewn with white rocks and shells (both whole and pieces).

Green

It’s pretty obvious that these pieces are coming from beverage bottles. The color can vary quite a bit. Its clear the sources are a mix of wine, beer, or soda.

Brown

Brown sea glass in probably mostly derived from beer bottles. Brown was used in all sorts of containers, though. I seem to notice these more than any other.

Blue/Cobalt

Blue sea glass and cobalt sea glass are pretty rare at this point. Phillips Milk of Magnesia came in blue, glass bottles very recently, but the glass was pretty thin. Chunks of cobalt sea glass are obviously more aged.

The Warm Colors

There are oranges and yellows, of course, but I’m holding out no hope of finding these

Rare Red Sea Glass

Supposedly from car tail lamps and street lights, these are the Holy Grail. Red sea glass is super rare, but I do believe there is a chance I’ll find one.

“Sea-ramics”

You can find bits of weathered porcelain. I have found a couple and they are prized pieces. Again, on a beach with white rocks and shells, I feel these are great finds. I’m definitely on the hunt for more.

In certain places, we have also found salt-glazed clay “sea-ramics”.

Sea Brick

Sea brick can range in size from “half bricks” to wonderful little pebbles. It’s the latter that I love. A quarter-sized piece, fairly even in shape and smooth, is fun to hold. They frequently have tiny air pockets and are very light weight.