How many of us have a unique shade of green glassware lurking in our cupboards, perhaps on display in a cabinet or hiding out unnoticed somewhere around our homes? Quite a few people do! Sometimes, this is a very special type of glass – uranium glass.
In the late 19th century, it was common to add uranium to a glass mixture to give the glass an interesting color. It would often be a shade of green or yellow, though sometimes it was mixed with other additives to achieve a pale blue color. This was especially common in the 1880s and 1890s.
Throughout the early 1900s, right until World War II, uranium was a common additive in glass. However, the war ended the uranium glass market, as all the uranium was being used for the war effort. After the war, few companies took back up the old habit because the dangers of radiation were becoming more well known. It also wasn’t cost-effective to make. There still are a handful of manufacturers making uranium glass even today, especially in the form of small decorative items and lamps.
While there is uranium in uranium glass, it is in such small amounts that it doesn’t pose a risk to humans. Uranium glass is now a favorite collectible for many, thanks to its interesting color -and the fact that while exposed to black light, uranium glass will glow a bright, light green color, even in the daytime. Cabinets are often outfitted with UV black lights to display uranium glass, making for an interesting display in the home.
The small collection shown in this photo is on display in the front parlor of the Greene County Historical Society Museum and contains pieces such as small cups, a bowl and a decorative kerosene lamp that all date to the late 19th century. A few other small pieces of uranium glass are on display throughout the room as well.
Wondering if some of your own glass pieces might be uranium glass? Or are you ready to look for your own uranium glass? Keep an eye out for glass of a strange green color and bring a small black light flashlight to check glass on display. In addition to uranium glass, other glasses – including selenium, cadmium, neodymium, manganese, and others – will also glow different colors under black light.
Keep an eye out on our website and Facebook for information about our upcoming Christmas Open house, and for information on our 2025 season! Next season will be an exciting year for the Greene County Historical Society as we will celebrate our 100th birthday as an organization!