Both green Depression glass and Vaseline glass will glow under a black light due to the uranium oxide content in the glass. Old Burmese glass fluoresces a similar yellow-green color. American colorless pressed glass made before 1930 is said to fluoresce yellow, while reproductions generally do not.
Uranium glass! Also called Vaseline glass, sometimes called depression glass. It glows under black light (UV) because of radioactive particles in it. Don't worry it's completely safe! That's a nice collection there. I'd love to have that large bowl in my collection!
The term “uranium glass” generally describes glass with uranium oxide, which glows under a black light. Other terms – Vaseline glass and Depression glass, for example – came later and apply more specifically to lighter yellow glass and glass made during the Great Depression, respectively.
One of the chemicals that is present in several of the glass formulas is Spent Uranium (Uranium Dioxide). This is the chemical that gives the glass that yellow/greenish glow under black light.
Fluorite. Originally known as fluorospar, fluorite gave birth to the phenomenon fluorescence, first discovered and named by George Stokes in 1852. As the first, official fluorescent mineral, it's at the top of the list.
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”.
What color of Depression Glass is rare? Pink and crystal (clear) are two of the rarest colors of Depression glass.
While they are both colored glass, carnival is differentiated by its signature iridized glaze and multicolored appearance, while Depression glass has a more transparent and monochromatic look.
Determining Depression Glass Value. The value of Depression glass has been rising steadily in recent years, yet the cost is still quite reasonable. A cake plate could sell for as little as $13, a sugar bowl for $7, and an attractive footed tumbler for $25.
If the glass glows a rich green color, it contains uranium. This green fluorescence explains why an example of Vaseline glass that looks yellow under incandescent lighting might take on a greenish tinge when viewed outdoors.
It's best to hold the blacklight about 1-3 inches away from the carpet or other surface you're examining. Look for that bright yellow color! Once you've found the urine stain, you can treat it with your favorite stain and odor removing product.
From circa 1943 until 1958, because of the events of World War II and the Cold War, U.S. officials did not allow the production of uranium glass since the government had banned uranium salts from commercial use. Only after uranium oxide was deregulated did the U.S. government allow uranium glass to be manufactured.
Manganese glass is a type of glass that contains manganese dioxide as a colorant. When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, such as blacklight, the manganese in the glass absorbs the UV radiation and then emits visible light, creating a glowing effect.
Depression Glass has been reproduced since it first became popular back in the 1970's. Here's a list of known reproductions and how to spot them. On the repro, they point off center (northeast, etc) Very poor mold on both top and bottom.
Most Depression glass was made with uranium, but it also contained iron oxide, which makes the glass much greener than Vaseline glass. Depression glass is often less valuable than Vaseline glass, so collectors have to be careful to not confuse the two.
Check the glassware for intricate details.
No matter the piece, depression glassware is usually patterned and often has geometric shapes and designs. Many depression glasses have geometric or floral designs etched into the cup. An opalescent trim is also a common characteristic of depression glassware.
Some of the most collectible types & styles of antique and vintage glassware include Depression Glass, Carnival Glass, Milk Glass, Moonstone, Hobnail Glass, and Jadeite. One of the most popular styles of antique glass was a Hen on Nest, also known as Animal Dishes because of the variety of animals they come in.
In summary, our favorite luxury wine glassware brands include Baccarat, Lalique, Waterford Crystal, Schott Zwiesel, Zalto, Riedel, Orrefors, Moser, Saint-Louis, and Steuben.
As mentioned, imperfections in the glassware due to daily use during the era that the glassware was originally produced do not necessarily affect value, or if they do, it is very small.
In fact, a report published by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission in 2001 stated that uranium glass is considered to be safer than household electronics. Despite this, it is recommended that you avoid eating or drinking out of uranium glass objects, as you can end up ingesting small fragments of radioactive material.
Depression glass is so called because collectors generally associate mass-produced glassware in pink, yellow, crystal, green, and blue with the Great Depression in America.
Both green Depression glass and Vaseline glass will glow under a black light due to the uranium oxide content in the glass. Old Burmese glass fluoresces a similar yellow-green color. American colorless pressed glass made before 1930 is said to fluoresce yellow, while reproductions generally do not.
Pink is the Most Valuable Color / of Depression glass sugarware with butterfly, floral, and cherry embellishments.
All opaline glass is hand-blown and has a rough or polished pontil on the bottom. There are no seams and no machine engraving, and most opaline glass is not branded or signed. Many pieces of opaline glass are decorated with gilding. Some with handpainted flowers or birds.