Uranium Glass

Uranium glass is a little-known collectible that's admired for its soft color and distinctive glow in the dark under a black light, which comes from the addition of uranium to the glass as it was made. It is possible for uranium glass to create coolly classic or contemporary effects depending on the room it occupies. As one of the most unusual types of antique glass collections available to collectors at Bidsquare Decorative Glass Auctions, uranium glass is very intriguing because of its history, color, and radioactive properties. With its yellow or yellow-green hue, uranium glass is typically used for candlesticks, plates, pitchers, and bowls that exhibit a Victorian aesthetic.

Although glass makers in Central Europe began manufacturing yellow and green glass, adding uranium into glassware as a means of adding color to glass in the early 19th century, production really took off in the 20th Century. Uranium glass is also known as “Vaseline” glass, the difference lies in the name.

What is Uranium glass?

Uranium glass is created by adding small amounts of uranium dioxide to the molten glass that gives it a characteristic green or yellow glow, which becomes especially noticeable when placed under ultraviolet or fluorescent light. The proportion of the uranium dioxide content sits between trace levels and 2% by weight to lend the glass its tinge, ranging from yellow to green. To test out the glowing properties of uranium glass, bring a black light flashlight with you when you go searching at your local antique store for pieces.
 

The Uranium glass subtypes

Depending on the color, uranium glasses are differentiated as: 
Vaseline glass: Vaseline glass gets its name from its resemblance to the light yellow color of Vaseline petroleum jelly; the uranium dioxide in it gives it a distinctive color.
Custard glass: Much like transparent uranium glass and green Depression glass, custard glass got its yellow tint due to the presence of different amounts of uranium oxide being added during the production process, and will also fluoresce under a black light.
Jadeite glass: Containing uranium, this glass glows bright green under black light. The glass is a light jade green and was popular in the United States in the mid-20th century.
In general, uranium glass is considered harmless and there are no special precautions to be taken while handling it. It is almost impossible for the radioactivity to enter the environment or be swallowed as it is safely contained inside the glass. In any case, these objects should not be used to store or serve food items, and being fragile, should be handled with care. Uranium glass is collectible for many reasons at Bidsquare online auctions. Some enjoy the novelty of the glass, while others appreciate it for its coloration and beauty.

Interesting Facts about Uranium Glass

• The first uranium glass was produced in Austria in 1830.

• The U.S. government prohibited the use of uranium for glass coloring (uranium was believed to be required in building nuclear weapons); the ban lasted until 1958.