#RADIUM GLASS LAMP HOW TO#

Based on appearance, it’s easy to confuse Uranium glass with Depression glass, but Depression glass does not have any uranium in it, so it doesn’t glow.

Whether it’s by going to antique shops or estate sales, or just looking at pictures in art books or online, this is one of the best ways to get started.

Acquaint yourself with glassware from the same time period so you can learn to distinguish it.

Below, we’ve got a few pointers to keep in mind when you come across pieces you’re not sure about.

#RADIUM GLASS LAMP HOW TO#

If you’re a collector or interested in starting a collection of Uranium glass, it can be hard to know how to start your search, especially when there are so many beautiful glass pieces out there. In reference to Uranium glass’ radioactivity, it should be noted that, while pieces from the late-19th and early-20th centuries were comprised of 2-25% uranium, the level of radioactivity is still negligible in the long run people are exposed to radioactive materials every day and, while we wouldn’t recommend eating or drinking from them, these pieces weren’t actually considered harmful.įrom: Darlene Duplessis: “Vaseline glass salt and pepper shakers.” Collecting While you may be able to recognize some pieces just by looking at them, it takes a UV black light to officially see whether or not the glass flouresces due to the presence of uranium keep in mind, the glass glows green only because of the uranium, not because it’s radioactive.

Tinged varying shades of yellow, Vaseline glass can have an oily sheen to it, and is generally, although not always, translucent. Uranium glass is characterized by the presence of uranium (oxide) and, in some cases, iron oxide, which is what makes it green. From: Raun Lynott: “Part of my “Green Glass” collection which is all Vaseline glass that glows under Blacklight.

Radium glass lamp