Featured in Next Auction: Uranium Glass
Uranium glass is a type of glass that has had uranium added to it, giving it a desirable green or yellowish hue. The practice of making uranium glass began in the early 19th century, and it was especially popular during the Victorian period (1837–1901). In this era, glassmakers found that adding small amounts of uranium oxide created beautiful, vibrant colors. They didn’t know its hidden secret as ‘black lights’, Ultra-violet electric globes, had not yet been invented.
Production of uranium glass continued into the 20th century, particularly during the Art Deco period.
One of the most fascinating aspects of uranium glass, and the one that makes it so collectable, is that it glows under ultraviolet (UV) light. This glow is caused by the uranium in the glass reacting to UV light, which excites the electrons in the uranium atoms, causing them to emit a greenish light. The glow is not visible in normal light conditions but is very prominent under a blacklight.
A cabinet full of the endlessly varied Victorian Uranium glass vessels is like a science-fiction alien planet…. mesmerising.
Despite containing uranium, uranium glass is not dangerous. The amount of uranium used is very small, typically less than 2%, and it emits only trace amounts of radiation—far too low to be harmful to humans. As long as it is not ingested or ground into dust and inhaled, collecting and handling uranium glass is safe. And very bright!
