What is Uranium Glass?
Uranium glass, also known as Vaseline glass, is a fascinating type of glass that contains small amounts of uranium oxide. This unique composition gives the glass its distinctive yellow-green color and makes it glow bright green under ultraviolet (UV) light.
The history of uranium glass dates back to the late 18th century when uranium was first identified by German chemist Martin Heinrich Klaproth in 1789. By the early 19th century, uranium began to be used in glassmaking for its decorative properties. The glass became particularly popular during the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods.
Production of uranium glass peaked in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with many manufacturers across Europe and the United States producing a variety of items, from tableware to decorative pieces. However, the use of uranium in glassware declined sharply during the Cold War due to restrictions on uranium availability.
The Glow in the Dark Phenomenon
One of the most captivating features of uranium glass is its ability to glow in the dark. When exposed to UV light, the uranium content in the glass absorbs the light and re-emits it at a longer wavelength, creating a striking green fluorescence. This property makes uranium glass collectibles popular among enthusiasts who enjoy its eerie, otherworldly glow.
What is Vaseline Glass?
Vaseline glass is a specific type of uranium glass that has a pale yellow-green colour, reminiscent of petroleum jelly (Vaseline). The main difference between uranium glass vs Vaseline glass lies in their colour. Uranium glass can come in various shades, including green, yellow, and even clear with a slight greenish tint. While all Vaseline glass is uranium glass, not all uranium glass is Vaseline glass. The term “Vaseline glass” is often used interchangeably with uranium glass, but it specifically refers to the yellow-green variety.
Other Types of Uranium Glass
Blue Uranium Glass: While most uranium glass is known for its yellow-green color, there are also rare examples of blue uranium glass. These pieces are created by adding different colorants to the glass mixture, resulting in a beautiful blue hue that still retains the characteristic glow under blacklight.
Pink Uranium Glass: Pink uranium glass is another rare and highly sought-after variety. The pink color is achieved by adding specific colorants to the glass mixture.
Custard Glass: This is an opaque or semi-opaque pale-yellow uranium glass that also glows under UV light.
Depression Glass: Produced during the Great Depression, this glass comes in various colours, including pink, green, and blue. Some pieces of depression glass contain uranium and will glow under UV light.
Burmese Glass: This type of glass has a gradient of colours, typically transitioning from yellow to pink. Some Burmese glass contains uranium and will exhibit the characteristic green glow under UV light.
What is Uranium Glass used for?
The enthralling glow in the dark glass has been used in various applications over the years, from decorative items and functional uranium glassware, to jewellery, vintage pieces and rare colored varieties like blue and pink uranium glass. Uranium glass was primarily produced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike. The historical significance and unique properties of uranium glass make it a prized addition to any collection.
Uranium Glassware
Uranium glassware includes a wide range of items such as plates, bowls, cups, pitchers, and of course uranium glasses. These pieces were especially popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Vintage uranium glass and glassware is often sought after by collectors for its historical value and unique appearance.
Uranium Glass Jewellery
Uranium glass has also been used to create stunning jewellery. Beads, pendants, and other decorative pieces made from uranium glass can add a unique touch to any collection. The glow-in-the-dark feature of uranium glass jewellery makes it particularly appealing for those who appreciate unusual and eye-catching accessories.
Uranium Glass Decoration and Art
On the more elaborate end of the spectrum, there are items like figurines, sculptures, vases, or highly decorated perfume bottles. Due to their truly unique and artistic nature, these pieces can be amongst the rarest and most valuable.
How to identify Uranium Glass
Identifying uranium glass can be a fun and rewarding process, especially for collectors and enthusiasts. Here are some tips on how to identify uranium glass, including methods that don’t require a blacklight.
Identifying Uranium Glass with a Blacklight
The most definitive way to identify uranium glass is by using a blacklight. When exposed to UV light, uranium glass will glow a vibrant green due to its uranium content. This glowing effect is a sure-fire way to confirm the presence of uranium in the glass.
How to Tell Uranium Glass Without a Blacklight
If you don’t have access to a blacklight, there are still several ways to identify uranium glass:
Colour and Transparency: Uranium glass typically has a yellow-green hue, but it can also appear in shades of green, yellow, and even clear with a slight greenish tint. The glass is usually translucent, allowing light to pass through it.
Natural Light Examination: Hold the glass up to natural light. Uranium glass often has a subtle, oily sheen that can be seen in sunlight. This sheen is one of the reasons it’s also called Vaseline glass.
Historical Context: Knowing the history and typical uses of uranium glass can help. It was most commonly produced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, so pieces from this era are more likely to be uranium glass.
Geiger Counter: If you have access to a Geiger counter, you can measure the radioactivity of the glass. Uranium glass will emit a small amount of radiation, which can be detected by the Geiger counter.
Is Uranium Glass safe?
While the presence of uranium might raise concerns, it’s important to understand the safety aspects of this unique green glowing glass. By following simple safety precautions, you can enjoy the beauty of uranium glass without worry.
Is Uranium Glass Dangerous?
Uranium glass is indeed radioactive, but the level of radioactivity is very low. The uranium content in the glass typically ranges from trace amounts to about 2% by weight, although some pieces can contain up to 25%. Despite this, the radiation emitted by uranium glass is minimal and generally considered safe for decorative purposes.
Is Uranium Glass Harmful?
The low levels of radiation emitted by uranium glass are not harmful to humans under normal handling conditions. Studies have shown that the amount of radiation exposure from uranium glass is only a fraction of what an average person is exposed to annually from natural sources. For example, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission found that the radiation exposure from uranium glass is about four millirems per year, which is roughly 1% of the radiation dose an average person receives annually.
Safety Precautions
While uranium glass is generally safe, there are some precautions you should take to ensure it remains harmless:
Avoid Using for Food or Drink: It’s best not to use uranium glass for food or drink consumption, as there is a potential risk of ingesting uranium particles if the glass becomes damaged.
Handle with Care: Store uranium glass in a safe place where it won’t be easily broken or scratched. This helps prevent any potential release of uranium particles.
Limit Prolonged Exposure: Although the radiation is minimal, it’s still a good idea to limit prolonged close contact with uranium glass.
Is Uranium Glass valuable?
This fascinating glass that glows under blacklight has become a popular collectible, and its value can vary widely based on several factors.
How Much is Uranium Glass Worth?
Uranium glass value can range from modest to quite high, depending on various factors such as age, rarity, history, and condition of the piece. Most individual pieces of uranium glass in good condition sell for £10 to £50. However, larger items, rare pieces, and complete sets can fetch anywhere from £100 to £500 or more. Exceptionally intricate pieces like a vintage Fenton uranium glass vase could go for several thousand pounds.
Factors affecting Uranium Glass Value
Age: Older pieces, especially those from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, tend to be more valuable. Antique uranium glass and glassware is particularly prized by collectors. These pieces often feature intricate designs and craftsmanship that reflect the styles of their time, offering a glimpse into the past and the unique artistry of glassmakers from previous centuries.
Rarity: Rare designs or limited production runs can significantly increase the value.
Condition: Pieces in excellent condition without chips, cracks, or significant wear are more valuable.
Manufacturer: Items from well-known manufacturers or with a documented history can command higher prices.
Uranium glass is a valuable collectible with prices that can vary significantly based on several factors. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, understanding these factors can help you appreciate and assess the value of uranium glass pieces.
Where to find Uranium Glass for Sale
Uranium glass can be found for sale in various places, including antique shops, specialised collectible stores, and online marketplaces like Etsy and eBay. Online auction houses like liveauctioneers can be a good place to find truly unique historic pieces, although they tend to cost a pretty penny. Specialised retailers like 20th Century Glass can also yield good results.
Where to find Vaseline Glass for Sale
Like other uranium glass, the value of Vaseline glass depends on factors such as age, rarity, and condition. Vaseline glass items can be found for sale in similar venues as other uranium glass pieces.
Explore Further
Choose from the articles below to continue learning about nuclear.
Did you know? Explore Nuclear also offers great careers information and learning resources.
Below you can find references to the information and images used on this page.
Content References
- Vaseline and Uranium Glass (ca. 1930s) | Museum of Radiation and Radioactivity (orau.org)
- Uranium Glass: A Brief History | Learn Glass Blowing
- Uranium glass – Wikipedia
- These People Love to Collect Radioactive Glass. Are They Nuts? | Collectors Weekly
- Uranium Glass: The Radioactive Glassware That Could Be Hiding In Plain Sight | IFLScience
- How To Identify Uranium Glass – Discover The Outdoors
- Uranium Glass information from the Virtual Glass Museum (theglassmuseum.com)
- What Is Uranium Glass Learn How to Identifiy Carefully (myidealtricks.com)
- Everything you need to know about thrifting Uranium Glass – We are thrifters
- Civil use of depleted uranium
Image References
- Uranium glass – Beeblaine – CC BY 4.0
- Uranium-glass-necklace – EliasTheHorse – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Uranium Glass under UV – GorissM – CC BY-SA 2.0
- Uranium glass (Polke) – Till Westermayer – CC BY-SA 2.0
- Fluorescent Uranium Depression Glass – JJ Harrison – CC BY-SA 2.5
- Glass flacon under UV light – Raimond Spekking – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Vasline glass glowing – Realfintogive – CC BY-SA 3.0
- Uranium glass 005 – Juhele_CZ – CC BY-SA 2.0
- Uranglas-Schale, Art Deco, under UV light – Raimond Spekking – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Glass flacon under normal light – Raimond Spekking – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Glass flacon under UV light –Raimond Spekking – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Uranium Glass Bowl – Michael Kappel – CC BY-NC 2.0
- Uranium Glass in Blacklight – Michael Kappel – CC BY-NC 2.0
- Lenox-Imperial Uranium Glass Basket – Roadsidepictures – CC BY-NC 2.0
- Uranium glass – UCL News – CC BY-ND 2.0
- Uranium Glass – Thomas Hart – CC BY-NC 2.0
- Uranium glass – mtewes – CC BY-NC 2.0
- Vysehrad_Glass_underground – Jan Helebrant – CC BY-SA 2.0
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