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Is Vaseline glass rare?

Author

James Craig

Published Jan 09, 2026

One of the most unusual types of antique glass that collectors can investigate, Vaseline glass is absolutely fascinating due to its color, history, and radioactive components. This incredible glass has certain chemical properties that actually allow it to glow in the dark under a black light.

Do they still make Vaseline glass?

At present (2004), a few companies in the U.S. are still making Vaseline glass (e.g., Boyd Crystal Art Glass, Mosser, Summit Glass and Fenton Glass), but it is exclusively of the decorative variety. No dinnerware is being made.

How can you tell if its Vaseline glass?

Use a blacklight to identify the uranium in vaseline glass. Shine your UV light on the glass piece and look for a neon green glowing color. Using a black light is the only sure way to identify vaseline glass. Other glass pieces may turn green under a black light, but they will not glow like vaseline glass does.

Why did they stop making Vaseline glass?

A: Vaseline glass has been produced since 1830. However, it was most popular from the 1880s until the 1920s. There was a ban on the production of Vaseline glass from 1943 to 1958, and after the ban was lifted, uranium prices were higher due to its use as a power source.

What era is Vaseline glass?

What we identify as vaseline glass was produced from the mid-1800s through the beginning of World War II, but its peak of popularity was from the 1880s through the 1920s. Large companies like Fenton Glass and Mosser Glass made these wares, along with some other smaller shops.

15 related questions found

Did Fenton make Vaseline glass?

Fenton: First started making vaseline glass in 1930's. Hobnail pattern started in 1941. Cactus pattern (original to Greentown Glass) was re-introduced 1959. Fenton is still producing limited supplies of vaseline artglass today.

Why is it called Vaseline glass?

The most common color of uranium glass is pale yellowish-green, which in the 1930s led to the nickname "Vaseline glass", based on a perceived resemblance to the appearance of Vaseline-brand petroleum jelly as formulated at that time.

What glass glows under black light?

Did you know that there is a type of glass that glows? It may sound like something out of science fiction, but it's real and has been around for centuries. Known as uranium glassware, this special substance emits an eerie green shine when placed under a black light.

Is uranium glass illegal?

Uranium glass is still produced in Europe, the US and Japan as well as in many other countries. It contains very small traces of uranium but the radiation levels are minimal and not considered harmful. Private ownership and usage of nuclear materials is illegal in China.

Is green Depression glass radioactive?

Not all green Depression glass is radioactive and there are pieces that pre-date the 1930s that also contain detectable levels of radiation. Uranium glass is prized for the deep color it gives off and will glow fluorescent under a UV light.

How can you tell if glass is vintage?

How to Know Whether Glass Is Antique

  1. Pontil marks - Blown glass, as opposed to molded glass, usually has a pontil mark on the bottom. ...
  2. Bubbles and irregularities - Many antique glass pieces have tiny bubbles or other imperfections in the glass. ...
  3. Patina - Older glass usually has a patina of time and use.

Does Pink uranium glass glow?

6) Opaque pink uranium glass (Burmese glass)

But, it is a contemporary FENTON's product, which does NOT glow under UV (that means it does NOT contain uranium).

What is depression glass made of?

Some depression glass is uranium glass. Although of marginal quality, Depression glass has been highly collectible since the 1960s. Due to its popularity as a collectible, it is becoming more scarce on the open market.

What is the rarest color of Depression glass?

Most Valuable Depression Glass Colors

Manufacturer Heisey made a bright orange, or tangerine, glass on a short run that proved unpopular at the time. Pink and yellow Cameo patterns from Hocking are rare because they were made for a limited time.

How can you tell Depression glass?

Search for colored glass that is yellow, amber, blue, green, or pink. Depression glass was always made using bright colors. This glassware was designed to be bold and stand out, so look for pieces that catch your eye. Other common colors of depression glassware are cobalt, custard, amethyst, jadeite, and delphite.

How can you tell carnival glass?

The most common ways to identify the glass are:

  1. Look at the coloring and sheen for the iridescent rainbow effect.
  2. Check out the base of the glass, which should not be thick or weighty. ...
  3. Look for the manufacturer's mark, although keep in mind many companies did not place a mark on their carnival glass.

Did Fenton make uranium glass?

Fenton Art Glass was well-known for its glass-working techniques and the many colors it produced, some of which used uranium 238, which is radioactive.

Why is uranium glass popular?

Glass infused with uranium eventually got the nickname of vaseline glass because of its oily translucence. This unique quality made it relatively popular: companies made candy containers, lidded pots, tableware, glass lamps, etc.

Who made uranium glass?

Boyd Glass and Fenton Art Glass are two USA companies that produce uranium glass items today. It is not widely known that the "Burmese" glass made by the Mount Washington Glass Company from the mid 1880's, contained uranium. The formula for Burmese glass, patented by Frederick S.

What is custard glass?

Custard glass is opaque yellow glass, reminiscent of the color of custard. It can vary from pale ivory to bright yellow/green, and sometimes it is decorated, often with gold and/or with roses. The name Custard Glass is used by collectors.

Does female discharge glow under black light?

Do vaginal fluids glow in the dark? Sperm isn't the only fluorescent body fluid. Saliva, blood and vaginal fluids also have the same property when exposed to black light. So you can use your UV flashlight (or your DIY version) to detect vaginal fluids on bed sheets or in clothes.

What's the difference between Vaseline glass and uranium glass?

Vaseline glass gets its name from its yellowish color that looks similar to petroleum jelly. It's also known as uranium glass, due to the fact that there is uranium dioxide in each piece of Vaseline glass.

How do you clean Vaseline off glass?

Wet a cloth or sponge in warm water and apply dish detergent, as you did the paper towel. Rub this over the Vaseline-covered glass so that the soap coats the entire area. You may need to apply more dish detergent to large areas of glass. Scrub the glass with the sponge or cloth and then rinse it with warm water.

How can you tell milk glass?

Milk glass is glass that's slightly opaque with a white, blue, black, or pink color and a smooth surface. It's often used to make cups, plates, and small figurines. To tell for sure if glass is milk glass, try holding it up to the light. If the light shines through it, it might be milk glass.

Are all Fenton glass pieces marked?

The majority of Fenton was only marked with a sticker. Most of the stickers have been lost or removed over time. I believe my piece is Fenton made after 1970 but I can't find a mark, could it still be Fenton? Yes, some types of glass and treatments on glass can obscure or remove the mark entirely.