Uranium Glass Collecting: A Glowing Addition to Your Life

Jamie ShawJun 9, 2024

Looking for a unique and eye-catching addition to your collecting life? Look no further than uranium glass.

This fascinating collectible has a rich history and a mesmerising glow that will light up any display. In this post, we’ll dive into the world of uranium glass and explore what makes it such a special find for collectors like you and me.

Uranium glass is not your everyday collectible. It’s a conversation starter, a piece of history, and a work of art all rolled into one.

We’re going to cover everything you need to know about uranium glass, from its history and production to how to identify and care for your pieces. We’ll also share some tips on where to find the best uranium glass pieces and how to connect with other collectors who share your passion.

So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover the world of uranium glass.

Trust me, once you see these pieces glowing under UV light, you’ll be hooked!

What is Uranium Glass?

Uranium glass, also known as vaseline glass or depression glass, is a type of glass that contains small amounts of uranium oxide.

This unique ingredient gives the glass a distinct green or yellow colour and causes it to glow under ultraviolet light. Uranium glass was first produced in the 1830s and remained popular until the 1940s when the use of uranium in glassmaking was restricted due to its potential for use in nuclear weapons.

But what exactly is uranium oxide, and how does it make glass glow?

Uranium oxide is a chemical compound that contains uranium, a radioactive element. When added to glass during the manufacturing process, uranium oxide gives the glass a yellow or green tint and causes it to fluoresce under UV light.

The amount of uranium oxide used in glassmaking varied over time and between manufacturers, but it typically ranged from 0.1% to 2% by weight. While this may seem like a small amount, it was enough to give uranium glass its distinctive color and glow.

Uranium glass was used to make a wide variety of objects, from decorative vases and figurines to practical items like bowls and plates. Some of the most popular types of uranium glass include vaseline glass, custard glass, and jadeite glass, each with its own unique color and style.

So why was uranium glass so popular?

For one thing, it was a novelty. The idea of owning a piece of glassware that glowed in the dark was exciting and futuristic. But uranium glass was also prized for its beauty. The soft, luminous colours of uranium glass added a touch of elegance and sophistication to any setting.

Today, uranium glass has made a comeback and is a highly sought-after collectible, prized for its unique history and stunning appearance.

Whether you’re drawn to the bright greens of jadeite glass or the soft yellows of custard glass, there’s a piece of uranium glass out there for every collector.

The History of Uranium Glass

The Early Days

The use of uranium in glassmaking dates back to the Roman Empire, but it wasn’t until the 1830s that the first true uranium glass was produced. The earliest examples of uranium glass were made in Europe, particularly in Bohemia (now part of the Czech Republic) and England.

The first recorded use of uranium in glassmaking comes from a Bohemian glassmaker named Franz Xaver Riedel, who added uranium oxide to his glass batches in the 1830s. Riedel’s uranium glass had a distinct yellow-green color and was used to make a variety of decorative objects, from vases to perfume bottles.

Around the same time, English glassmakers were also experimenting with uranium oxide. In 1836, a glassmaker named George Bontemps presented a pair of uranium glass vases to the French Academy of Sciences, sparking interest in this new type of glass across Europe.

Despite its early popularity, uranium glass production remained relatively small-scale throughout the 19th century. It wasn’t until the late 1800s and early 1900s that uranium glass really took off, thanks in part to new manufacturing techniques and a growing interest in radioactivity.

The Rise of Uranium Glass

Uranium glass gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly during the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods. Glassmakers like Fenton, Cambridge, and Heisey produced a wide range of uranium glass pieces, from vases and bowls to figurines and ashtrays.

One of the reasons for uranium glass’s popularity during this time was the discovery of radium by Marie and Pierre Curie in 1898. The Curies’ work sparked a fascination with radioactivity, and many people believed that owning objects made with radioactive materials like uranium could have health benefits.

Glassmakers capitalized on this trend by marketing uranium glass as a healthful and restorative material. Some even claimed that drinking from uranium glass cups could cure a variety of ailments, from arthritis to depression.

Of course, we now know that the health claims surrounding uranium glass were largely unfounded. While the amount of radiation emitted by uranium glass is relatively low, it’s still not a good idea to drink from uranium glass vessels or use them for food storage.

Despite these concerns, uranium glass remained popular throughout the early 20th century.

Glassmakers experimented with new colours and styles, from the bright greens of jadeite glass to the soft yellows of custard glass. Uranium glass was used to make everything from elegant serving dishes to whimsical figurines, and it became a staple of many American households.

The Decline of Uranium Glass

The use of uranium in glassmaking began to decline in the 1940s due to the onset of World War II and the subsequent restrictions on uranium use. By the 1970s, the production of uranium glass had pretty much stopped, making it a highly sought-after collectible today.

During World War II, the U.S. government placed strict controls on the use of uranium, reserving it for military purposes like the development of nuclear weapons. This made it difficult for glassmakers to obtain uranium oxide, and many were forced to switch to alternative colorants like selenium and chromium.

After the war, the use of uranium in glassmaking remained restricted, and many glassmakers abandoned uranium glass production altogether. Some continued to produce uranium glass using depleted uranium, which has a lower radioactivity than natural uranium, but this was less common.

By the 1970s, uranium glass production had largely ceased, with a few exceptions like the Fenton Art Glass Company, which continued to make limited runs of uranium glass until the 1990s.

Today, uranium glass is a highly sought-after collectible, prized for its unique history and stunning appearance. While it may not be as easy to find as it once was, there are still plenty of vintage uranium glass pieces out there waiting to be discovered by collectors like you and me.

Types of Uranium Glass

Vaseline Glass

Vaseline glass is a type of uranium glass that has a distinct yellow-green color reminiscent of petroleum jelly. This glass is highly collectible and can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small trinket boxes to large serving bowls.

The term “vaseline glass” comes from the glass’s resemblance to petroleum jelly, which was sold under the brand name Vaseline in the early 20th century. However, the term is somewhat misleading, as vaseline glass doesn’t actually contain any petroleum jelly.

Vaseline glass was produced by a number of different glassmakers, including Fenton, Cambridge, and Northwood. Some of the most popular vaseline glass pieces include:

Butter dishes
Candlesticks
Compotes
Pitchers
Tumblers

Vaseline glass is known for its bright, vivid color and its ability to glow a brilliant green under UV light. It’s also highly collectible, with rare pieces commanding high prices at auction.

If you’re interested in collecting vaseline glass, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, be sure to use a UV light to confirm that the piece is definitely uranium glass. Some modern reproductions may look similar to vaseline glass but won’t fluoresce under UV light.

Second, be aware that the colour of vaseline glass can vary depending on the specific uranium content and other factors like the age and condition of the piece. Some vaseline glass may have a more yellow or green tint, while others may appear almost clear.

Finally, don’t be afraid to mix and match different pieces of vaseline glass to create a unique and eye-catching display. Whether you’re drawn to the bright greens of a vaseline glass compote or the soft yellows of a butter dish, there’s no wrong way to collect and enjoy this beautiful type of uranium glass.

Custard Glass

Custard glass is another type of uranium glass that has a soft, creamy yellow color. This glass is often found in the form of serving dishes, bowls, and plates.

The term “custard glass” comes from the glass’s resemblance to the creamy, yellow color of custard desserts. Like vaseline glass, custard glass gets its color from the addition of uranium oxide to the glass batch during manufacturing.

Custard glass was produced by a number of different glassmakers, including Fenton, Heisey, and Northwood. Some of the most popular custard glass pieces include:

Cake plates
Cups and saucers
Footed bowls
Pitchers
Serving trays

Custard glass is known for its soft, subtle color and its ability to glow a gentle yellow under UV light. It’s also highly collectible, with rare pieces fetching high prices at auction.

If you’re interested in collecting custard glass, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, be sure to use a UV light to confirm that the piece is indeed uranium glass. Some modern reproductions may look similar to custard glass but won’t fluoresce under UV light.

Second, be aware that the color of custard glass can vary depending on the specific uranium content and other factors like the age and condition of the piece. Some custard glass may have a more yellow or green tint, while others may appear almost white.

Finally, don’t be afraid to mix and match different pieces of custard glass to create a unique and eye-catching display. Whether you’re drawn to the soft yellows of a custard glass pitcher or the creamy hues of a serving tray, there’s no wrong way to collect and enjoy this beautiful type of uranium glass.

three types of custard glass — Examples of Custard Glass

Jadeite Glass

Jadeite glass is a type of uranium glass that has a bright, almost neon green color. This glass was particularly popular during the 1930s and 1940s and can be found in a range of kitchenware items, from mixing bowls to salt and pepper shakers.

The term “jadeite glass” comes from the glass’s resemblance to the mineral jadeite, which has a similar bright green color. However, jadeite glass doesn’t actually contain any jadeite – its color comes from the addition of uranium oxide to the glass batch during manufacturing.

Jadeite glass was produced by a number of different glassmakers, including Anchor Hocking, Fire-King, and McKee. Some of the most popular jadeite glass pieces include:

Mixing bowls
Cups and saucers
Salt and pepper shakers
Refrigerator dishes
Measuring cups

Jadeite glass is known for its bright, vibrant color and its ability to glow a brilliant green under UV light. It’s also highly collectible, with rare pieces commanding high prices at auction.

If you’re interested in collecting jadeite glass, there are a few things to keep in mind. Again, be sure to use a UV light to confirm that the piece is indeed uranium glass. Some modern reproductions may look similar to jadeite glass but won’t fluoresce under UV light.

And like the other types, be aware that the colour of jadeite glass can vary depending on the specific uranium content and other factors like the age and condition of the piece. Some jadeite glass may have a more yellow or blue tint, while others may appear almost teal.

Finally, don’t be afraid to mix and match different pieces of jadeite glass to create a unique and eye-catching display. Whether you’re drawn to the bright greens of a jadeite mixing bowl or the soft hues of a refrigerator dish, there’s no wrong way to collect and enjoy this beautiful type of uranium glass.

How to Identify Uranium Glass

The Color Test

One of the easiest ways to identify uranium glass is by its color. Uranium glass typically has a distinct green or yellow hue that sets it apart from other types of glass. However, it’s important to note that not all green or yellow glass contains uranium, so additional tests may be necessary.

When it comes to identifying uranium glass by color, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the specific shade of green or yellow can vary depending on the amount of uranium oxide used in the glass batch and other factors like the age and condition of the piece.

Some common colors to look for in uranium glass include:

Bright, neon green (jadeite glass)
Soft, creamy yellow (custard glass)
Yellow-green (vaseline glass)

However, it’s important to note that not all uranium glass will have these exact colors. Some pieces may have a more blue or teal tint, while others may appear almost clear.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the color of uranium glass can change over time due to exposure to light and other environmental factors. Older pieces of uranium glass may have a more muted or yellowed appearance compared to newer pieces.

If you’re unsure whether a piece of glass contains uranium based on its color alone, there are a few other tests you can perform to confirm its identity. The most reliable method is the UV light test, which we’ll discuss in more detail below.

But if you’re out and about at an antique store or flea market and don’t have a UV light on hand, the color test can be a good starting point. Just remember that not all green or yellow glass is uranium glass, and additional tests may be necessary to confirm your suspicions.

The UV Light Test

The most reliable way to identify uranium glass is by using a UV light. When exposed to UV light, uranium glass will fluoresce a bright green color. This is because the uranium in the glass absorbs the UV light and re-emits it as visible light.

To perform the UV light test, you’ll need a UV light source. There are two main types of UV lights used for testing uranium glass:

Type of UV Light	Wavelength	Fluorescence Color
Shortwave	254 nm	Bright green
Longwave	365 nm	Dull green

Shortwave UV lights are more effective at identifying uranium glass, as they produce a brighter and more vivid fluorescence. However, shortwave UV lights can be more expensive and harder to find than longwave UV lights.

To perform the test, simply hold the UV light up to the glass piece in a dark room. If the glass contains uranium, it will fluoresce a bright green color under the shortwave UV light or a dull green color under the longwave UV light.

It’s important to note that not all uranium glass will fluoresce the same color or intensity under UV light. The specific color and brightness of the fluorescence can depend on factors like the amount of uranium in the glass, the age and condition of the piece, and the presence of other elements like lead or manganese.

Some pieces of uranium glass may fluoresce a more yellow or blue color, while others may appear almost white under UV light. In general, the brighter and more vivid the fluorescence, the higher the uranium content of the glass.

When using a UV light to identify uranium glass, it’s important to take proper safety precautions. UV light can be harmful to your eyes and skin, so be sure to wear protective eyewear and avoid prolonged exposure to the light.

It’s also a good idea to test the glass in a dark room or under a black light, as other light sources can interfere with the fluorescence and make it harder to see.

If you don’t have access to a UV light, there are a few other ways to identify uranium glass, which we’ll discuss in the next section. But if you’re serious about collecting uranium glass, investing in a good quality UV light is definitely worth it.

Other Identification Methods

In addition to the color and UV light tests, there are a few other ways to identify uranium glass:

Look for a pontil mark on the bottom of the piece. This is a small, rough spot where the glass was attached to the blowpipe during production.
Check for bubbles or other imperfections in the glass. Uranium glass often has small bubbles or other flaws due to the nature of the glassmaking process.
Consider the age and style of the piece. Uranium glass was most commonly produced between the 1830s and 1940s, so pieces from this era are more likely to contain uranium.

Pontil marks are a good indication that a piece of glass is older and may contain uranium. A pontil mark is a small, rough spot on the bottom of the piece where the glassblower’s rod was attached during production. This method of glassmaking was common in the 19th and early 20th centuries, so a pontil mark can be a good sign that a piece of glass is from this era.

However, it’s important to note that not all uranium glass will have a pontil mark, and not all glass with a pontil mark contains uranium. Some newer pieces of glass may also have a pontil mark as a deliberate design choice, so it’s important to use other identification methods in conjunction with this one.

Another thing to look for when identifying uranium glass is the presence of bubbles or other imperfections in the glass. Uranium glass often has small bubbles or other flaws due to the nature of the glassmaking process, which involved adding uranium oxide to the glass batch.

These bubbles and imperfections can be a good indication that a piece of glass is older and may contain uranium. However, it’s important to note that not all uranium glass will have these imperfections, and not all glass with bubbles or flaws contains uranium. Some newer pieces of glass may also have intentional bubbles or imperfections as a design choice, so it’s important to use other identification methods in conjunction with this one.

Finally, considering the age and style of a piece of glass can be helpful in identifying uranium glass. As mentioned earlier, uranium glass was most commonly produced between the 1830s and 1940s, so pieces from this era are more likely to contain uranium.

Some common styles of uranium glass to look for include:

Art Deco (1920s-1930s)
Depression Era (1930s-1940s)
Victorian (1830s-1900s)

Of course, not all glass from these eras will contain uranium, and some uranium glass may have been produced outside of these time periods. But if you’re at an antique store or flea market and see a piece of glass that looks like it could be from one of these eras, it’s worth taking a closer look and performing some of the other identification tests.

In general, the more identification methods you can use in conjunction with each other, the more confident you can be in your determination of whether a piece of glass contains uranium. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from more experienced collectors or dealers, and always use caution when handling potentially radioactive materials.

Is Uranium Glass Safe?

One of the most common questions about uranium glass is whether it’s safe to collect and use. The short answer is yes, uranium glass is generally considered safe. The amount of uranium used in glassmaking is very small, typically less than 2% by weight, and the radiation emitted by uranium glass is minimal.

In fact, the radiation emitted by uranium glass is so low that it’s not considered a health hazard. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the amount of radiation emitted by a piece of uranium glass is about the same as the amount of radiation you would receive from a day’s worth of natural background radiation.

However, it’s still important to take some precautions when handling uranium glass, especially if you plan on using it for food or drink. While the risk of radiation exposure from uranium glass is low, there is a potential risk of chemical exposure if the uranium leaches into food or drink.

To minimize this risk, it’s recommended that you:

Avoid using uranium glass for food or drink storage, especially for acidic foods like citrus fruits or tomatoes.
Hand wash uranium glass separately from other dishes, using mild soap and warm water.
Avoid putting uranium glass in the dishwasher, as the high temperatures and harsh detergents can damage the glass and increase the risk of uranium leaching.

If you do choose to use uranium glass for serving food or drink, it’s best to limit its use to short periods of time and avoid using it for storage.

It’s also important to handle uranium glass with care to avoid breaking or chipping it. While the risk of radiation exposure from a broken piece of uranium glass is still low, it’s best to avoid any potential exposure to uranium dust or fragments.

If you do break a piece of uranium glass, be sure to clean it up carefully and dispose of the broken pieces properly. Wear gloves and a mask to avoid inhaling any dust, and use a damp paper towel or cloth to wipe up any small fragments.

In general, uranium glass is considered safe to collect and display, as long as you take some basic precautions when handling and using it. If you have any concerns about the safety of a particular piece of uranium glass, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and avoid using it for food or drink.

Where to Find Collectible Uranium Glass

Antique Stores and Flea Markets

One of the best places to find uranium glass is at antique stores and flea markets. These venues often have a wide selection of vintage glassware, and you may be able to find some great deals on uranium glass pieces.

When shopping for uranium glass at antique stores or flea markets, it’s important to come prepared. Bring a UV light with you to test any pieces that catch your eye, and don’t be afraid to ask the seller if they know anything about the history or origin of the piece.

Some tips for shopping for uranium glass at antique stores and flea markets:

Look for pieces with a green or yellow tint, as these are more likely to contain uranium.
Check for any signs of wear or damage, as this can affect the value of the piece.
Don’t be afraid to haggle with the seller, especially if you’re buying multiple pieces or if the piece has some damage.
If possible, try to find out as much as you can about the history of the piece, including its age, manufacturer, and any previous owners.

Shopping for uranium glass at antique stores and flea markets can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it does require some patience and persistence. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find what you’re looking for right away – keep looking and eventually you’ll come across that perfect piece to add to your collection.

Online Marketplaces

Another option for finding uranium glass is through online marketplaces like eBay and Etsy. These sites have a huge selection of uranium glass pieces from sellers around the world, and you can often find rare or hard-to-find items.

When shopping for uranium glass online, it’s important to do your research and be cautious. Look for sellers with good ratings and reviews, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about the piece before making a purchase.

Some tips for shopping for uranium glass online:

Look for detailed photos and descriptions of the piece, including any signs of wear or damage.
Ask the seller if they’ve tested the piece with a UV light to confirm that it contains uranium.
Check the seller’s return policy in case the piece arrives damaged or not as described.
Be aware of shipping costs, as uranium glass can be fragile and may require special packaging.

One advantage of shopping for uranium glass online is that you can often find a wider selection of pieces than you might at a local antique store or flea market. However, it’s important to be patient and do your research to ensure that you’re getting a good deal on a quality piece.

Estate Sales and Auctions

Estate sales and auctions can also be great sources for uranium glass. These events often feature collections from longtime collectors or families with a history of glassmaking, so you may be able to find some truly unique pieces.

When attending an estate sale or auction, it’s important to come prepared. Bring a UV light to test any pieces that catch your eye, and don’t be afraid to ask the organizers or other attendees if they know anything about the history or origin of the piece.

Some tips for shopping for uranium glass at estate sales and auctions:

Arrive early to get a good look at the available pieces before the event starts.
Set a budget for yourself and stick to it, as it can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of the event.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the piece, including its age, manufacturer, and any previous owners.
If possible, try to inspect the piece closely for any signs of wear or damage before making a bid.

Shopping for uranium glass at estate sales and auctions can be a bit more competitive than shopping at antique stores or online, but it can also be a great way to find rare and valuable pieces. Just be sure to come prepared and stay within your budget to avoid overspending.

How to Connect with Other Uranium Glass Collectors

Facebook Groups

One of the best ways to connect with other uranium glass collectors is through Facebook groups. There are several groups dedicated to uranium glass collecting, including:

These groups are great places to share photos of your collection, ask for advice on identifying pieces, and connect with other collectors who share your passion.

When joining a Facebook group for uranium glass collectors, be sure to read the group rules and guidelines carefully. Some groups may have specific requirements for posting or commenting, and it’s important to be respectful of other members and their opinions.

Some tips for connecting with other collectors on Facebook:

Share photos of your favorite pieces and ask for feedback or information from other members.
Offer advice or assistance to other members who are looking for help with identifying or valuing their pieces.
Participate in group discussions and threads to learn more about the history and production of uranium glass.
Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations on where to find specific pieces or types of uranium glass.

Connecting with other uranium glass collectors on Facebook can be a great way to learn more about this fascinating hobby and build relationships with like-minded individuals. Just be sure to be respectful and follow the group rules to ensure a positive experience for everyone.

Reddit Communities

Reddit also has a few communities dedicated to uranium glass collecting, including:

These subreddits are smaller than the Facebook groups but still offer a great way to connect with other collectors and share your finds.

When posting on Reddit, be sure to read the subreddit rules carefully and follow proper Reddiquette. This includes being respectful of other users, staying on topic, and avoiding self-promotion or spamming.

Some tips for connecting with other collectors on Reddit:

Share photos of your favorite pieces and ask for feedback or information from other users.
Participate in discussions and threads about the history and production of uranium glass.
Ask for recommendations on where to find specific pieces or types of uranium glass.
Offer advice or assistance to other users who are looking for help with identifying or valuing their pieces.

Reddit can be a great resource for learning more about uranium glass and connecting with other collectors, but it’s important to remember that the community is smaller and more focused than some of the other online groups. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get as much engagement or feedback as you might on Facebook or other platforms.

Conclusion

Collecting uranium glass is a fun and rewarding hobby that offers a unique twist on traditional glassware collecting. With its rich history, mesmerizing glow, and wide range of styles and colors, uranium glass is a true treasure for any collector.

Whether you’re drawn to the bright greens of jadeite glass or the soft yellows of custard glass, there’s a piece of uranium glass out there for every collector. By learning how to identify and care for these pieces, and connecting with other collectors through online communities, you can build a collection that truly shines.

But collecting uranium glass isn’t just about acquiring beautiful pieces – it’s also about preserving a fascinating piece of history. Uranium glass represents a unique moment in time when the world was fascinated by the power and potential of radioactive materials, and glassmakers were experimenting with new and innovative techniques to create stunning pieces of art.

By collecting and cherishing these pieces, we’re not only adding beauty to our own lives – we’re also helping to preserve this important chapter in the history of glassmaking and design.

So if you’re looking for a hobby that’s both beautiful and meaningful, consider starting a collection of uranium glass. With a little patience, persistence, and passion, you can build a collection that will bring joy and fascination to you and others for years to come.