Collecting Fluorescent Vaseline and Luminescent Uranium Glass ~

A Fascinating Brief History of Uranium Glass ~

In approximately 79 AD, an artist in Italy added sand with trace elements of uranium to his glass mixture to make mosaics.  Since uranium is a natural component of sand, its fluorescence was discovered by accident.  During the 193Os, in both Bohemia and England, experiments were undertaken to achieve a desired canary yellow color with one or two percent Uranium Salts - Uranium Dioxide.  Then this glowing component was added to glass objects.  The Victorians were crazy for Uranium and Vaseline glass because of its luminescent qualities.  Many amazing uranium-laden yellow and green glass items (sometimes other hues) were created in Bohemia, England, Italy, America, and other countries - until the early 194Os, when uranium was needed for World War II.  Some pieces were also made during the 195Os.  Vaseline and Uranium glass items are highly sought after, collected widely, and become more scarce and valuable with time.  Today, serious collectors have large glass cases with blacklights to show off their incredible collections.

Please see an everchanging array of Vaseline and Uranium Laden glass offerings in my store:

The Winged Phoenix

Here are some wonderful examples of Vaseline and Uranium glass shown under a blacklight:

photos 1 through 1O:

1. Beautiful Ribbed Early 2Oth Century Vase
2. Giant Sublime Luminous Tiffin Bowl
3. 188Os - 192Os Enameled Art Nouveau Vase
4. Lovely Oval Bowl with Fascinating Patterns
5. Unusual Double Gourd Vase with Intriguing Raised Designs
6. Huge Glowing Oddity
7. Early 19OOs Superb Ruffle Vase
8. Exquisite Iridescent Plate - probably Steuben
9. Stunning Depression Glass Vessel
10. Gorgeous Large Serving Dish with Handle

Copyright 2006 The Winged Phoenix