Common Knowledge about Uranium Glass, aka Vaseline Glass

Uranium glass was mostly made before WWII, when the government confiscated all supplies of uranium and therefore all production of uranium was halted. Years later after nuclear testing was banned, the government eased restrictions and now allows a very limited amount of uranium to be used by glass companies for production of uranium and vaseline glass. This makes uranium glass highly sought after by collectors and to this day is only made under very limited productions. Not just anyone has the desire to make uranium glass, we're talking serious obsessed collectors here! They demand is huge, and there are no other types of glass as fascinating as uranium glass.

In the early 1800's Uranium Glass was created by adding uranium dioxide to melted glass, by a company called Whitefriars Glass Works in London. A pair of uranium glass candlesticks were presented first to the Queen of England. Uranium salts, or uranium dioxide, in it's natural state is a bright vivid yellow. So it is understandable why back in the day they used this as a colorant for fine handmade glass. One of the most significant things about uranium glass is it will give a positive reading on a geiger counter, and glows a bright yellow under a black light. These are the only ways to tell if it is true uranium glass, as all other methods are not accurate.

Is uranium glass safe to wear in jewelry?

Glass itself is a solid barrier and radiation shield, actually used in radiation rooms for such purposes. Also, uranium glass has been used in various pieces of jewelry since its inception. Never have you heard of anyone feeling negative effects from some earrings or beaded necklace made with uranium glass. Some of the most cherished and gorgeous heirloom jewelry has been made with uranium glass. Collectors are drawn to the beautiful yellow tones of the glass, and infatuated with the fact that this glass glows bright when looked at under a black light. The glowing is caused by the ultra violet radiation exciting the outer electrons of the uranium atoms, which gives off energy and is seen through our eyes as a bright, green yellow glow. It is amazing, and unlike any other glow in the dark items you will see.

With normal use and wear, vaseline glass exposure is about the equivalent of television and microwave emissions. I wouldn't recommend you stand in front of the microwave too long either, but the risk is teeny tiny and rather harmless. And please note, grinding and abrasive polishing is not normal use - we don't recommend you eat the beads either. The uranium is enclosed in the glass, so as long as you don't inhale them, you will be alright!

Uranium glass is wonderful for special occasion jewelry, or decorative ornamental pieces like this uranium glass rosary.