Lake Michigan beach glass is a true treasure trove for beachcombers and collectors alike. From the vibrant hues of amber and aqua to the more elusive shades of red and orange, the colors of this unique glass offer a glimpse into the region’s rich history and natural wonders.
Common Colors of Lake Michigan Beach Glass
The most commonly found colors of beach glass on the shores of Lake Michigan include:
| Color | Origin |
|---|---|
| Amber, Aqua, Blue, Olive Green | Cosmetics, medicine bottles, and pop bottles |
| Black, Gray, Lavender, Lime Green, Pink, Teal, Turquoise | Small dishware, trinkets, perfume bottles, and souvenirs |
| Brown, Emerald Green, White | Beer bottles, pop bottles, and preserve or kitchen jars |
Rare Colors of Lake Michigan Beach Glass
While the common colors are a delight to discover, the true gems of Lake Michigan beach glass are the rarer hues:
- Red: Red beach glass is a rare find, often originating from decorative glass pieces such as platters, vases, and perfume bottles.
- Orange: Orange beach glass is also quite rare and not commonly encountered on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Identifying the Source of Lake Michigan Beach Glass
The color and shape of the beach glass can provide valuable clues about its origin:
- Color: The color of the glass can indicate its source, such as aqua glass often coming from fancy tableware, art glass, stained glass, and seltzer bottles.
- Shape: The distinctive shape of a piece of beach glass can suggest the type of bottle or jar it once was, helping to uncover its history.
Best Places to Find Lake Michigan Beach Glass
The key to successful beach glass hunting on Lake Michigan is to explore the right locations:
- Rocky shorelines: Rocky shorelines are ideal for finding beach glass, especially after storms when new glass is exposed.
- Less populated beaches: Avoid popular beaches, as they are often cleaned by park officials, reducing the chances of finding beach glass.
Tips for Finding Lake Michigan Beach Glass
To maximize your chances of discovering stunning beach glass, consider the following tips:
- Timing: Look for beach glass during spring and fall when storms are more frequent, and the shoreline is reshaped, exposing new glass.
- Lighting: Search during morning or evening when natural light highlights the glass, making it easier to spot.
Using Lake Michigan Beach Glass
Once you’ve amassed a collection of beautiful Lake Michigan beach glass, there are countless ways to showcase and utilize it:
- Decorative items: Fill jars or bowls with beach glass for a colorful home accent.
- Jewelry: Create jewelry such as rings, earrings, and pendants using beach glass.
- Mosaics: Use beach glass to create mosaics or other artistic pieces.
Resources for Lake Michigan Beach Glass Enthusiasts
For those who want to delve deeper into the world of Lake Michigan beach glass, there are several helpful resources available:
- Beach Glass Rarity Chart: A chart by Beach Glass Jewelry lists the rarity of different colors of beach glass found on Lake Michigan.
- Carter Sea Glass Color & Rarity Guide: This guide includes over 75 sea glass colors with their relative rarity.
Exploring the captivating colors and origins of Lake Michigan beach glass is a truly rewarding experience for beachcombers and collectors alike. Whether you’re searching for the common hues or the elusive rarities, the journey of discovering these natural treasures is sure to leave you enchanted by the beauty and history of this unique glass.
References:
– Beach Glass Jewelry – Rarity Chart
– Carter Sea Glass Color & Rarity Guide