Few collectables stop people in their tracks like uranium glass. By day it’s a soft yellow-green; under a UV (black) light it snaps to an electric lime glow that feels straight out of the atomic age. If you’ve been curious but cautious, this guide explains what it is, how to identify it confidently, how to display it beautifully, and how to handle it sensibly at home.

What exactly is uranium glass?

Uranium (often called vaseline glass when it skews more yellow) is ordinary soda-lime glass coloured with a tiny amount of uranium oxide, typically a few percent by weight in older pieces, often less in later ones. That trace uranium is what fluoresces under UV light. You’ll see it in late-Victorian art glass through to 1930s Depression glass and mid-century tableware, from bowls and jugs to bead-edged plates and small ornaments.

Is uranium glass safe?

For typical home display, yes,when treated as a decorative collectable. The radioactivity is very low and largely contained within the glass. Sensible precautions are easy: don’t use it for food or drink, avoid storing acidic foods in it, and keep it out of reach of children and pets. Wash pieces by hand, dry well, and handle chipped items carefully (like any glass). If you’re pregnant or simply prefer to be cautious, admire it on the shelf rather than handling it frequently. As with any vintage material, common sense goes a long way.

How to identify the real thing

Colour is your first clue. Uranium glass often reads chartreuse, yellow-green or “vaseline” yellow in daylight; some custard and opaque greens can also contain uranium. The clincher is a 365 nm UV torch: true uranium glass fluoresces a vivid, unmistakable neon green. Test in a dim room and shine the light across the base and inside curves, edges will leap to life. Not every green glass is uranium, and some non-green glasses (opal/custard) will glow too if uranium was used, so rely on the UV test rather than colour alone.

A few extra tells help: ground or polished bases on older art glass; mould seams on pressed Depression pieces; and even, steady colour (heavily re-polished rims can look slightly different under UV). If a decanter and stopper don’t glow the same, you may have a marriage of parts.

Buying with confidence

Condition matters more with glow glass because chips and cloudiness show under UV. Run a fingertip gently around rims and along edges, “flea bites” feel like tiny snags. Peer through the glass at an angle for interior haze in vases and jugs; severe mineral staining is hard to remove. For sets, check counts and matching heights. Photograph or keep original labels if present, and read listing notes closely, phrases like “wear consistent with age” are normal on genuine vintage. When in doubt, ask for a quick UV photo; reputable sellers are used to the request.

Cleaning and care

Skip the dishwasher. Hand-wash in warm (not hot) water with a mild detergent, avoiding sudden temperature changes that can stress the glass. Use a soft bottle brush for tall forms and avoid gritty abrasives. A short soak with warm water and a splash of vinegar can lift light mineral film; rinse thoroughly and dry on a soft towel to prevent marks. Like any coloured glass, prolonged harsh sunlight can affect appearance, display with bright indirect light for a long, happy life on the shelf.

Display ideas that make it glow (beautifully)

Uranium glass shines (literally) with a bit of staging. A simple, hidden 365 nm LED strip or puck will make a small grouping come alive; tuck the light behind the lip of a shelf or beneath a riser, and switch it on for evening ambience. Darker backdrops intensify the effect, while warm timber (teak or walnut) grounds the neon with classic mid-century warmth. Group pieces by height—one tall statement, one medium anchor and a small accent—to create an easy visual triangle. Clear glass nearby keeps things airy; a single teal or smoke piece adds contrast without stealing the show. On a bar cart, limit uranium glass to decorative roles (a bowl for citrus skins, not snacks). For extra drama, place a narrow piece inside a glass cloche and light it from below—the glow becomes a jewel-box moment.

Where it fits in a collection

Uranium glass pairs beautifully with textured “optic” or bark-pattern clear glass, West German “fat lava” ceramics, and classic MCM décor like starburst clocks or panther figurines. If you’re building a display from scratch, start with one hero—perhaps a fluted vase or handled jug,then add two supportive shapes with different profiles so the group feels intentional, not repetitive.

Ready to hunt for glow-ups? We’re a Top Rated Australian eBay seller and new items are added daily. Explore our Pottery, Ceramics & Glass for uranium and companion pieces, browse Home Décor & Lighting for styling accents, and keep an eye on Collectables for quirky additions that make a shelf sing.