Red Sea Glass

Selenium or copper-ruby glass

Markings and exact colorations may vary.

The trophy colour. Red glass is rare because it was expensive to make and used sparingly.

Typical size
0.25–1 in
How often it turns up
Very rare
Collecting
Check local rules

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.

Handling
Safe to handle

How to tell it apart

  • Deep ruby to orange-red
  • Usually small pieces
  • Fully frosted, glows when backlit

Found one?

Photograph it and BeachNut ranks the likely matches with a confidence read, then logs it to your collection with the beach and date.

Browsing beaches and the full field guide is free. A free account logs unlimited finds and gives you three photo identifications a day.

Commonly confused with

  • Pink Sea GlassPink manufactured glass

    Pink stays pale rose in daylight; red has a stronger saturated red tint.

More sea glass in the field guide

Browse every sea glass in the guide

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