Black Sea Glass
Very dark olive or amber glass
Also known as Pirate glass, Dark bottle glass
Markings and exact colorations may vary.
Very dark glass that can reveal deep olive or amber when held to a strong light; color alone does not establish age.
- Typical size
- 0.5–2 in
- How often it turns up
- Rare
- Collecting
- Check local rules
- Handling
- Safe to handle
Loose glass may be collectable where permitted; follow park and protected-area rules. Do not take from archaeological sites or wreck contexts. Dispose of sharp modern litter safely.
How to tell it apart
- Opaque black in hand, deep olive or amber against light
- Thick and heavy
- Often irregular, hand-blown shapes
Found one?
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Commonly confused with
Smoke Gray Sea GlassGray manufactured glass
Smoke gray transmits neutral gray light; black glass may show olive or amber at thin edges.
More sea glass in the field guide
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