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How to Tell the Difference Between a Yellow Stone & Yellow Sea Glass

Much of the yellow glass found on the shores of the ocean is really depression era trash. This machine-made glass was used about as often as we use plastic today, and it was very popular in shades of yellow and amber. Today yellow sea glass is a rare find, so it's crucial to inspect it closely to be sure it's the real thing. Yellow stones may be as smooth as sea glass, but knowing differences between the two can help you evaluate the object.

Instructions

- 1
  Hold the object up to a light. If no light shines through, you are probably holding a stone.
- 2
  Look for floral, geometric or other raised patterns that appear to have been worn down by the sea. A stone will not have an identifiable raised pattern.
- 3
  Examine the surface of the glass for "pock marks," or natural looking indentations, and "crizzling," which is the natural degradation of glass, evidenced by many tiny cracks. A stone may also have pock marks, but it will not have crizzling.

Sea Glass Collecting