The original formula to produce Burmese Glass contained uranium oxide with tincture of gold added. The uranium oxide produced the inherent soft yellow color of Burmese glass.
Perhaps the most reliable way to identify the presence of uranium in the glass is to expose it in the dark to a source of ultraviolet light (e.g., a black light). If the glass glows a rich green color, it contains uranium.
Uranium glass is glass that has had uranium added to it before melting to create colours. Typically, pieces are made with low levels of uranium, meaning anywhere from trace amounts to 2%. However, some pieces have been found to be made up of 25% uranium. The uranium was added for the fluorescent effect it created.
The uranium content causes the glass to glow bright green under UV light. Burmese glass proved to be very popular and sold well during Victorian times.
Early jadite also contained uranium oxide, which was used to enhance the green hue. Since uranium was only used prior to World War II, its presence or absence is helpful in determining the age of particular jadite items because glass that contains uranium will glow when exposed to black light.
Luckily, since these items emit only negligibly tiny amounts of radiation, they are safe to handle, eat and drink from (3). Uranium fell out of use after World War II when it became critical to the war effort (think: the Manhattan Project).
The original formula to produce Burmese Glass contained uranium oxide with tincture of gold added. The uranium oxide produced the inherent soft yellow color of Burmese glass.
Technically, uranium glass is radioactive—but at such a low level, it won't harm you from ordinary handling or from living with pieces on display. In fact, in 2001, the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission published a report stating that uranium glass is considered safer than most household electronics.
Following the Cold War, restrictions on uranium glass were completely lifted. During this time many older pieces entered the free market and new pieces continued to be produced in small quantities into the 2000s.
A popular brand of uranium glass is Vaseline glass. So named because in ordinary light it has approximately the color of Vaseline. Under black light it fluoresces bright green. It is slightly radioactive but is completely safe.
Geiger Counter: Measuring Radioactivity
Uranium glass emits beta and gamma radiation, which the Geiger counter can measure as clicks or counts per minute (CPM). Pros: Highly Accurate: Unlike UV lights, a Geiger counter confirms the presence of uranium based on its radioactivity rather than fluorescence.
Uranium is weakly radioactive and contributes to low levels of natural background radiation. The majority of background radiation occurs naturally and a small fraction comes from man-made elements. in the environment. Uranium is used in nuclear power generation.
Depression glass: Transparent yellow or transparent yellow-green glass, glows green if uranium oxide was included. Contains other colorants to “up” the green color, like iron oxide. Less popular with collectors because it is “tainted”.
Main uranium health effects
Uranium's main target is the kidneys. Kidney damage has been seen in humans and animals after inhaling or ingesting uranium compounds. However, kidney damage has not been consistently found in soldiers who have had uranium metal fragments in their bodies for several years.
The most commonly used detectors for uranium in vivo counting are sodium iodide, phoswich (NaI and CsI sandwich), and hyperpure germanium, which measure the gamma rays emitted during uranium decay (DOE 1988, 2009).
The glow-in-the-dark feature of uranium glass jewellery makes it particularly appealing for those who appreciate unusual and eye-catching accessories.
Uranium glass is considered safe to wear and handle, according to the U.S. nuclear Regulatory Commission. In fact, it is considered to be safer than household electronics.
To identify uranium glass without using a blacklight, the best method is to observe the glass for a distinctive green or yellow-green color in natural light. Uranium glass, often referred to as Vaseline glass, contains uranium oxide, which can impart a unique color to the glass.
The level of radon gas is very minimal and harmless. Uranium glass and ceramics that have used uranium in the glazes can be safely displayed in a glass or plastic display case. Glass and plastic will block most of the alpha and beta radiation coming from these items.
Fenton Art Glass Company stopped using uranium oxide in its glass in the 1970s due to concerns about the health risks associated with uranium. Fenton glass that contains uranium oxide is sometimes called "Vaseline glass" because it has a similar color to Vaseline.
Intrusive deposits make up a large proportion of the world's uranium resources. Included in this type are those associated with intrusive rocks including alaskite, granite, pegmatite and monzonites. Major world deposits include Rossing (Namibia), Ilimaussaq intrusive complex (Greenland) and Palabora (South Africa).
It's what bred the iconic Atomic age, it's highly collectible, and best of all: it's completely legal to own. One of our greatest pleasures is being able to offer that unforgettable moment when students & novices alike realize that they are able to hold safe nuclear material in their hands.
Amethyst is a type of quartz that owes its purple color to background radiation. The latter is primarily from the naturally occurring potassium-40 and members of the uranium and thorium decay series found in rocks and soil. For the radiation to turn quartz purple, the quartz must contain trace amounts of iron.