The shoreline offers more than sun and surf - it’s a treasure trove of natural wonders that lift the spirit and spark joy. Among the most enchanting finds are heart-shaped rocks and hag stones, those rare gems with naturally formed holes. For the best chance of spotting them, explore rocky stretches with dense shell hash, where wave-tumbled fragments and hidden shapes await the keen-eyed beachcomber. 

 Heart-Shaped Rocks 

 Hearts are a timeless symbol of love and discovering one nestled in the sand can feel like a quiet message - an affirmation, a wink from the universe, or even a gentle reminder from someone no longer here. It’s the kind of find that makes you pause and smile. 

 But not every heart is meant to be taken. Some are fleeting illusions formed by sand, shells, or shadows - beautiful in the moment, but delicate by nature. Before reaching down, snap a photo. The slightest touch or breeze can erase what we call “ghost hearts” - ephemeral shapes that vanish with the next wave, leaving only the memory of the love they carried. 

 Is it mere coincidence when wind or water shapes a heart in the sand? Or is it something more - a quiet message of encouragement, a whisper of strength just when you need it most? 

 For those seeking a keepsake, heart-shaped rocks are surprisingly abundant. I often find so many that it’s clear they’re not all meant for me. 

 

 I photograph each one to honor its beauty, then leave it behind for the next soul who needs it. When I do pick one up, I can feel its energy - some hearts speak directly to me, and I know they’re mine to carry. 

 But I never want to walk away with a pocket full of hearts meant for someone else. The beach has a way of knowing who needs what, and when. 

 Hag Stones 

 Just as heart-shaped rocks stir emotion, hag stones evoke mystery. These naturally holed stones - also called “holy stones” - carry centuries of folklore and fascination. 

 Unlike rocks altered by human hands, true hag stones form through the slow work of water and time, and are believed to hold protective energies that only nature can bestow. 

 The name “hag stone” traces back to European traditions, where “hag” referred to witches. It was said that no spell could pass through the hole of a hag stone, making it a powerful talisman against evil. 

 Hung in homes, worn as necklaces, or tucked into pockets, these stones were cherished as guardians - simple, silent protectors shaped by the sea. 

 Ever wonder how the hole in a hag stone forms and why it’s steeped in folklore? Some holes are carved slowly over time by the relentless motion of sand and surf. 

 Others are the work of a remarkable mollusk: the piddock clam, also known as the angel wing clam (Cyrtopleura costata). Using its muscular foot to anchor itself, the clam rotates its shell like a drill, grinding into the rock to create a perfectly shaped cavity where it can live and feed in safety. 

 So where does the magic come in? Folklore suggests that the stone’s ability to channel wind and water gives it power to repel negative energy. But if the hole was made by a clam simply seeking shelter, does that diminish its mystique? Not at all. 

 

 For centuries, sailors hung hag stones on their boats, and farmers placed them in homes and barns to protect loved ones and livestock. Whether carved by time or crafted by nature’s creatures, the belief in their protective charm endures. 

 While marine science may explain the origins - some formed by erosion, others by the slow drilling of mollusks - modern beachcombers still see hag stones as symbols of good fortune. I like to think that bad intentions simply can’t pass through the hole, while positive energy flows freely, carried by the wind and waves. 

 If you’re hoping to find one for yourself, venture just off Galveston Island to the Bolivar Peninsula or Surfside Beach. These spots offer a thicker shell hash mixed with rocks, making them prime hunting grounds. Plus, the ferry to Bolivar is free and always a treat, and the San Luis Pass toll bridge no longer charges a crossing fee. There’s never been a better time to explore our neighboring shores, where eroded shells and hidden stones await. Happy hunting - and may your day of beachcombing bring you hearts to smile at and hag stones to hold close.