Uranium, Selenium & Other Art Glass Info

Uranium, Selenium & Other Art Glass

Explore a dazzling collection of uranium, selenium, and other exquisite glass pieces, each with a unique glow and rich history. From the mesmerizing green fluorescence of uranium glass under UV light to the warm, fiery hues of selenium glass, these timeless treasures are as collectible as they are beautiful. Whether you're a seasoned collector or drawn to the artistry of vintage glass, each piece in this collection is a true conversation starter.

Illuminate your collection with rare and radiant glass artistry.


Types of UV-Reactive Glass

  1. Uranium Glass ("Vaseline Glass")

    • Contains uranium oxide, which gives it a green or yellow-green glow under UV light.
    • Common variations:
      • Vaseline Glass – Pale yellow-green, typically transparent.
      • Custard Glass – Opaque, often with a creamy or pastel yellow hue.
      • Jadite (Jadeite) – Opaque green, popularized by Fire-King.
      • Topaz or Amber Uranium Glass – Golden or light amber, but still glows under UV.

  2. Selenium Glass ("Ruby Glass")

    • Contains selenium, which creates rich reds and deep pinks.
    • Glows a dull red/orange under UV light.
    • Popular in Depression Glass and some antique bottles.

  3. Manganese Glass ("Purple Glass")

    • Glass containing manganese dioxide can turn light purple or amethyst over time when exposed to sunlight.
    • Under UV light, it glows a faint green or pale yellow.

  4. Cobalt Glass

    • Contains cobalt oxide, producing a deep blue color.
    • Under UV light, it may glow a dull reddish or purplish hue (not as vibrant as uranium glass).

  5. Cadmium Glass

    • Found in red, orange, or yellow glass.
    • Often used in Fenton and Depression Glass.
    • Glows bright yellow/orange under UV.

UV-Reactive Glazes & Ceramics

  1. Uranium Glaze

    • Found in Fiestaware (older red & orange pieces) and other vintage ceramics.
    • Glows a greenish-yellow under UV.

  2. Fluorescent Tin Glazes

    • Some antique Majolica and Delftware have tin-based glazes that glow bluish-white under UV.

  3. Lead-Based Glazes

    • Found in some vintage china, pottery, and early 20th-century ceramics.
    • Often fluoresces white, blue, or yellow under UV light.

  4. Bone China

    • Due to natural bone ash content, fine bone china can glow blue or white under UV.

  5. Opalescent Glass (Heat-Treated Glass)

    • Used in Fenton, Northwood, and Carnival Glass.
    • Some pieces, especially with cranberry, milk, or opalescent edges, glow blue or green under UV.

How to Test for UV Reactivity

  • Use a blacklight (365nm UV) in a dark room to see the fluorescence.
  • Different wavelengths may reveal stronger or weaker glows depending on the glass type.