Vaseline Glass: Uranium-Infused Fluorescent Glassware

Vaseline glass is a distinctive yellow-green transparent glass containing uranium dioxide, which gives it a characteristic petroleum jelly-like color in natural light and causes it to fluoresce a brilliant green under ultraviolet (black) light. Produced from the 1830s through the 1940s (and in limited quantities after), vaseline glass was made by numerous American, English, and European glasshouses. Its dramatic UV fluorescence and unique color have made it one of the most popular collecting categories in antique glass.

History & Production

Uranium was first added to glass formulas by Josef Riedel in Bohemia in the 1830s. The technique spread quickly to England and America. Major producers include Boston & Sandwich Glass Company, Northwood, Fenton, Adams & Co., and dozens of English and Continental manufacturers. The use of uranium in glass was restricted during World War II (uranium was diverted to the Manhattan Project) and never fully resumed at pre-war levels. Modern vaseline glass contains minimal uranium and is primarily collectible rather than antique.

Identification & Characteristics

• Color: Yellow-green to golden yellow in daylight, resembling petroleum jelly (hence the name)
• UV Test: Fluoresces brilliant green under 365nm UV (black) light; the definitive identification test
• Transparency: Ranges from transparent to translucent; opaque uranium glass is typically called "Jadite" or custard glass
• Patterns: Available in hundreds of pressed, blown, and cut glass patterns
• Related Types: Custard glass (opaque), Depression-era green uranium glass, and Jadite all contain uranium but differ in appearance

Auction Price Ranges

Condition Factors

• Chips: Even small chips are highly visible on transparent glass and reduce value significantly
• Color intensity: Deep, rich yellow-green color commands premiums over pale examples
• UV fluorescence: Strong fluorescence confirms uranium content; weak glow suggests lower uranium percentage
• Pattern clarity: Sharp, well-defined mold work indicates quality pressing
• Cloudiness: Glass should maintain clarity; cloudy or sick glass has suffered chemical deterioration
• Marks: Maker marks (Northwood "N," Heisey "H") add attribution and value

Collecting Tips

• A portable UV flashlight is essential equipment for identifying vaseline glass at shops and shows
• Not all green glass contains uranium; the UV test is the only reliable identification method
• Opalescent vaseline glass (combining vaseline color with white opalescence) is particularly desirable
• Early Sandwich Glass pieces in vaseline are rare and valuable
• Vaseline glass is safe to use and display; the uranium content is minimal and non-hazardous
• The Vaseline Glass Collectors organization provides resources and holds annual conventions
• Focus on a specific pattern, form, or maker to build a cohesive collection
• Depression-era pieces offer an affordable entry point for new collectors