Round I sit, humble in the ground, break through my skin and treasures are found. I bring tears to some, joy to the cook, layer by layer, reveal my hidden look.

Add a p to the front of me, and I’m a person who specializes in making things with clay. Add the word box, instead, and I’m known for durable phone and media cases. I’m a playful and cute water creature who lives in both fresh and salt water habitats. I’m not as sneaky as my cousin, the weasel.

Bound to earth, But free as a bird, Beware of any branches, A breath is preferred.

Excuse my humbleness, but I'm pretty hot. Species can't live without me. People adore me while on beaches around the planet! Extra points if you guess my name in other languages.

Like fragile tiny shells Drifting in the foam So too do leaves fall from me