The Sea Glass Shard of the Month: January 2014
A Large, White Sea Glass Boulder
This sea glass boulder, weighing over 1/4 lb, was discovered on the rugged shores of England's North Sea.
Sea Glass Specifications:
Color: White (ie Frosty Clear)
Length: 57.9 mm (2.28")
Width: 53.3 mm (2.10")
Thickness: 37.6 mm (1.48")
Weight: 134.6 grams (4.75 ounces)
This sea glass behemoth originates from the northeast of England where now-defunct glass factories once operated. Unlike most shards of sea glass found around the world this boulder never started out as a functional or decorative glass object. It was leftover glass, after a full day of glass making, that was often discarded into the North Sea as refuse at day's end. Along with the multi-colored pieces of sea glass, known as English multies, many of the gems found in this area are collectively referred to as "end of day" sea glass.
The northeast of England is one of the few places in the world where a lucky beachcomber might find such a large, well conditioned boulder like this. Its history in glassmaking, the source of such huge gobs of glass, along with the aggressive surf conditions and coastlines composed of sand and rocks, all contributed to the formation of such a magnificent specimen.
Much of the sea glass found in County Durham was discarded refuse from a Victorian glass factory at the day's end giving rise to the term "End of Day" sea glass.
One may wonder "Did this sea glass boulder possibly break free from an even larger piece of discarded glass tumbling along the rocky coast of County Durham?" If so, is it possible that other larger leviathans loom beneath the North Sea just waiting to one day be discovered? Or maybe... one already has.
Sea Glass Update: It seems that a larger sea glass shard has been found after all. Read all about it by clicking The Largest Sea Glass Shard Ever Found.
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