For thrifters, few items spark as much joy as uranium glass. Especially that joyous feeling of spotting a piece *in the wild* priced below its true value. We respect the game of resellers (and hey, might even be resellers ourselves!) but there is an unmatched pride to finding a piece for a dollar at a yard sale or getting a nice Fenton compote for $5 at an estate sale.
This stuff isn’t just pretty. It glows under UV light, has a long history, and has a cult following among collectors. If you’re looking to start or grow your collection, knowing what to look for and how to thrift it right makes all the difference.
Uranium glass, sometimes called vaseline glass because of its yellow-green tint, was made between the 1830s and 1940s. It gets its distinct colour and eerie glow under UV light from trace amounts of uranium oxide mixed into the glass.
The easiest way to identify uranium glass is with a UV blacklight in a dark room. If it glows that unmistakable neon green, you’ve got the real deal. This glow comes from the uranium oxide mixed into the glass. That’s why seasoned thrifters carry a small UV flashlight when they go hunting.
For a more scientific approach, a Geiger counter can confirm if your glass contains uranium. Since uranium glass emits low levels of radiation, a Geiger counter will pick up on it and remove any doubt. It’s not exactly a tool most people carry around, but if you’re deep in the collecting game, it’s a foolproof test.
Don’t trust colour alone to identify uranium glass. Shades range from pale yellow to deep green, and plenty of non-uranium glass looks similar under regular lighting.
Short answer? You probably can’t. The idea that uranium glass feels greasy or slimy is a myth. If you don’t have a blacklight, your best bet is to check for green, yellow, or olive tones under different lighting, but even that won’t guarantee anything. A UV test or a Geiger counter is the only way to be sure.
Not really. Uranium glass is generally safe to use for eating and drinking. The uranium is locked inside the glass, so it emits only trace amounts of radiation and nothing that poses a real risk.
The bigger concern is uranium-glazed ceramics, which can be more radioactive and shouldn’t be used for food. If your uranium glass is chipped or broken, avoid using it to prevent the risk of ingesting tiny glass particles. You’ll also want to steer clear of using knives or anything abrasive on it since that could break off small shards.
Otherwise, uranium glass is one of the safer radioactive materials out there. It’s more of a cool thrift find than a health hazard.
Like any antique glass, the value of uranium glass depends on several factors:
In general, common uranium glass bowls or vases in good shape can fetch $20-100, while rare or exceptional pieces can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
While most thrifters are familiar with the yellow-green hues of classic uranium glass, there is an even rarer and more mesmerizing variety – blue uranium glass. This exquisite glassware exhibits a stunning blue or cyan colour when exposed to ultraviolet light. The blue tint is achieved by adding cobalt compounds during manufacturing, in addition to the uranium oxide that gives it its fluorescent properties. Blue uranium glass pieces are highly coveted for their distinct beauty and scarcity. From vases and bowls to decorative figurines, these blue-glowing treasures are true prizes for any serious uranium glass collection. Finding authentic blue uranium glass can be challenging, but makes the hunt all the more rewarding for dedicated thrifters.
While the terms “vaseline glass” and “uranium glass” are often used interchangeably, there is an important distinction. Vaseline glass specifically refers to uranium glass with a distinct opaque pale yellow-green colour, reminiscent of petroleum jelly. It is a subset of the broader category of uranium glass, which encompasses any glassware that contains uranium oxide as a colourant and exhibits fluorescent properties under UV light.
So while all vaseline glass contains uranium and will glow green under a blacklight, not all uranium glass has the signature vaseline tint. Uranium glass can range from vibrant yellows and greens to rarer shades like blue, pink, or white depending on the level of oxidation and other additives used by the manufacturer. Properly identifying a piece as true vaseline glass versus general uranium glass is important for collectors and can impact its rarity and value.
The use of uranium oxide as a glass colourant began in the late 19th century and peaked in popularity in the early 1900s. It was produced by many American, English, and Central European glassmakers. Some of the most well-known manufacturers include Consolidated Lamp and Glass Company, Fenton Art Glass Company, Regal, and Vaseline Glass Inhalers Company.
Some of the most iconic and valuable uranium glass patterns to look for include:
While generally safe, it’s wise to take some precautions when collecting uranium glass:
With some knowledge and care, building a uranium glass collection can be a rewarding experience. Happy and safe hunting!
