Uranium glass collecting has exploded in popularity, and for good reason. These glowing green treasures from the past can be worth serious money today. This guide covers everything you need to know about the most valuable uranium glass pieces, from Depression-era bowls worth hundreds to rare Art Deco vases that sell for thousands.
We’ll walk through the history, safety concerns, identification tips, and most importantly, the 20 most valuable uranium glass pieces you should keep an eye out for. Whether you’re hitting estate sales or cleaning out grandma’s attic, this information could help you spot a real goldmine.
Table of Contents
Key Points About Uranium Glass Value
Uranium glass reaches its highest values when pieces combine rarity, age, maker reputation, and condition. The most valuable pieces come from the Depression era (1930s-1940s) when major glass companies like Fenton, Heisey, and Cambridge produced intricate patterns. Art Deco designs and limited production runs drive prices up significantly. Perfect condition matters enormously since chips or cracks can cut values by 50% or more.
What Is Uranium Glass?
Uranium glass gets its distinctive yellow-green color from adding uranium oxide to the glass mixture during production. Glassmakers discovered this technique in the 1830s, but uranium glass really took off during the Great Depression when companies needed affordable ways to make their products stand out.
The uranium content typically ranges from 2% to 25% by weight. When exposed to ultraviolet light, uranium glass glows bright green due to the uranium’s fluorescent properties. This glow is what makes pieces so easy to identify and incredibly appealing to collectors.
Production peaked between 1930-1950, with companies like Anchor Hocking, Jeanette Glass, and Federal Glass creating thousands of different patterns. After World War II, uranium became restricted for military use, making post-1950s uranium glass much rarer.
Is Uranium Glass Safe?
Yes, uranium glass is generally safe for collectors and display purposes. The radiation levels are extremely low, typically producing less radiation than a smoke detector or fertilizer. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has stated that uranium glass poses no significant health risk.
However, you shouldn’t eat or drink from uranium glass regularly. The uranium can leach into acidic foods and beverages over time. For collecting and occasional use, uranium glass presents minimal risk.
Is Uranium Glass Valuable?
Uranium glass values depend on several key factors that create a complex pricing structure:
| Price Range | Characteristics | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| $10-50 | Common Depression glass, mass-produced patterns, minor damage | Basic Jadeite bowls, simple Vaseline glass tumblers |
| $50-200 | Uncommon patterns, good condition, recognized makers | Cameo pattern dishes, Princess pattern serving pieces |
| $200-500 | Rare patterns, excellent condition, complete sets | Mayfair complete dinner sets, American pattern by Fostoria |
| $500-1000 | Very rare pieces, perfect condition, sought-after makers | Fenton carnival glass, Heisey figurines |
| $1000+ | Museum-quality pieces, extreme rarity, provenance | Tiffany Studios pieces, Steuben art glass |
Rarity drives value more than age alone. A 1940s mass-produced piece might be worth $20, while a 1930s limited-run art piece could bring $2000. Condition is critical since uranium glass chips and cracks easily, and repairs are usually obvious under UV light.
Color Classifications and Value Impact
Uranium glass comes in several distinct colors, each affecting value differently:
Vaseline glass represents the classic yellow-green uranium glass color. This petroleum jelly tint was the most common uranium glass color and typically commands moderate prices unless the piece features exceptional rarity or craftsmanship.
Blue uranium glass contains both uranium and cobalt, creating a unique blue-green glow under UV light. These pieces are significantly rarer than standard vaseline glass, often bringing 2-3 times higher prices. The blue coloration required more complex chemistry, limiting production runs.
Pink uranium glass combines uranium with gold or selenium to create a pink hue that still fluoresces green under UV light. This combination is extremely rare since the chemistry was difficult to master. Pink uranium pieces often sell for 5-10 times more than comparable vaseline glass items.
The color intensity also affects value. Deeper, more saturated colors generally bring higher prices than pale or washed-out examples. Collectors particularly prize pieces with even color distribution throughout the glass.
20 Most Valuable Uranium Glass Pieces
1. Alpine Ibex Italian Uranium Glass (1950s) – $2,250
Price: $2,250
This impressive Murano glass sculpture was created by Salviati Glassworks in the 1950s. Standing 21.5 inches tall and weighing over 13 pounds, this cherry amber to clear piece features a European ibex on a rocky precipice. It’s a stunning example of Mid Century Modern style.
2. Uranium Glass Vaseline Barrel Decanter Samovar – $1,781
Price: $1,781
This Art Deco style piece from the early 20th century (1911-1940) represents the height of decorative uranium glass. Despite being over 100 years old, examples in good condition without major chips or cracks command high prices.
3. Uranium Glass Smoking Stand Ashtray – $1,500
Price: $1,500
An Art Deco masterpiece from 1926-1930s, this cast iron and yellow uranium glass smoking stand represents top-quality craftsmanship. Standing 30 inches tall and extremely heavy, it was marketed to wealthy customers of its era.
4. Uranium Glass Bull Dog Doorstop – $1,495
Price: $1,495
This solid Vaseline glass French Bull dog doorstop was made by Rosso Glass from an old Westmoreland mold. Standing about 7 inches high and weighing nearly 6 pounds, it features glass eyes and glows beautifully under UV light.
5. Uranium Glass Owl Figurine – $1,349
Sold Price: $1,349.10
This Murano Art Glass Salviati Owl figurine showcases the Sommerso technique. Standing approximately 8 inches tall and 3 inches wide, this mint condition piece with original sticker represents rare Italian craftsmanship from 1950.
6. Uranium Yellow Ashtray – $1,200
Sold Price: $1,200
This Murano Vintage Sommerso piece features orange stripes in glowing uranium yellow. The hand-blown glass technique and Italian origin make it highly desirable among collectors.
7. RARE Fenton 1998 Vaseline Topaz Chessie Box – $1,200
Sold Price: $1,200
This limited edition Fenton piece was made as a special order with only 88 produced in 1998. Featuring the sleeping kitten mascot of Chesapeake Railroad, it’s 8 inches tall and marked “1998 Chessie by Fenton.”
8. Uranium Vaseline Fenton Topaz Fish – $1,089
Sold Price: $1,089
This 2001 Fenton figurine in Topaz Carnival glass glows beautifully under black light. The studio-crafted piece represents modern uranium glass artistry from the United States.
9. Uranium Glass Lamp – $850
Sold Price: $850
This Fenton/LG Wright Fern & Daisy pattern lamp in rare Topaz/Vaseline glass was one of LG Wright’s most popular designs. Standing approximately 11 inches tall, it transforms colors under black light.
10. Uranium Green Art Glass Mushroom Paperweight – $800
Sold Price: $800
This massive Murano mushroom paperweight stands 4 inches tall and weighs nearly 2 pounds. The hand-blown Sommerso technique creates a stunning uranium green glow.
11. HTF Fenton Vaseline Glass Hen Server – $800
Sold Price: $800
This hard-to-find Fenton piece measures around 13 inches long by 11.5 inches wide and stands 6.25 inches tall. In excellent condition with no cracks or chips, it glows beautifully under black light.
12. Antique Opaline Glass Box – $750
Sold Price: $750
This large French green-yellow uranium opaline glass trinket box features gilded brass finishing and a beautiful leaf-shaped clasp. At 8cm high and 13cm wide, it’s a rare size for uranium opaline pieces.
13. Set of 3 Engraved Egermann Ruby Uranium Glass Dishes – $700
Sold Price: $700
These hand-blown glass pedestal dishes showcase the intricate engraving and cutting techniques used on ruby uranium glass. The set represents exceptional European craftsmanship.
14. Cambridge Glass Vaseline Statuesque “Nude” Roemer – $696
Sold Price: $696
This rare Cambridge Glass piece features the famous nude stem design that made Cambridge glass so sought after by collectors. The vaseline glass version is particularly valuable.
15. Huge Uranium Glass Rolling Pin – $710
Sold Price: $710
This Art Deco style rolling pin from 1920 represents an unusual application of uranium glass. The Australian manufacture and large size make it extremely rare.
16. Uranium Glass Automobile Battery Box – $699
Sold Price: $699
This heavy early 20th century piece weighs over 16 pounds and measures approximately 7.75 inches tall. Its unique automotive application makes it a conversation piece for collectors.
17. 19th Century French Opaline Uranium Green Glass Vase – $650
Sold Price: $650
This 15-inch Victorian vase features Neoclassical Bérainesque decoration with 24K gold gilding and white enamel highlights. The French opalescent glass represents museum-quality craftsmanship.
18. Uranium Vaseline Fenton Scotty Dog on Font – $692
Sold Price: $692
This Fenton collectible measures approximately 5.75 inches tall by 4 inches wide. Despite some manufacturing straw marks, which are common in this piece, it remains highly collectible.
19. Cambridge Draped Green Uranium Depression Glass Flower Frog – $595
Sold Price: $595
Standing 12.5 inches tall with a 5.25-inch base, this Cambridge piece shows the elegant design work of Depression-era glass makers. Factory straw marks are common and don’t significantly affect value.
20. Uranium Glass Spooner Vase – $595
Sold Price: $595
This Belmont Glass Works No. 100 pattern piece from 1880 features the popular Daisy and Button motif. In pristine condition with no chips or cracks, it represents quality Victorian glassmaking.
How to Identify Uranium Glass
Visual inspection provides the first clues to uranium glass identification. Look for that characteristic yellow-green tint that appears slightly oily or petroleum-like in normal light. The glass often has a slight haziness or cloudy quality that distinguishes it from clear glass.
UV light testing remains the most reliable identification method. A small blacklight flashlight will cause genuine uranium glass to glow bright neon green. The glow should be even throughout the piece and distinctly different from other types of fluorescent glass.
Weight and thickness can indicate uranium glass since the uranium oxide makes the glass denser than normal formulations. Uranium glass pieces often feel heavier than expected for their size. The glass also tends to be slightly thicker than comparable non-uranium pieces.
Pattern identification helps confirm uranium glass pieces. Research specific Depression-era patterns that were known to use uranium content. Many patterns were produced in both uranium and non-uranium versions, so pattern alone isn’t conclusive.
Maker’s marks provide crucial identification information. Look for embossed signatures, paper labels, or etched marks that identify the manufacturer. Cross-reference these marks with known uranium glass producers from the 1930s-1950s.
What Drives Value in Uranium Glass
The most valuable uranium glass pieces combine rarity, age, maker reputation, and condition. Depression era pieces (1930s-1940s) from major companies like Fenton, Heisey, and Cambridge bring top dollar. Art Deco designs and limited production runs drive prices up significantly.
Perfect condition matters enormously since chips or cracks can cut values by 50% or more. The uranium content makes these pieces particularly susceptible to damage, so finding pristine examples becomes increasingly difficult.
Color also plays a huge role. While vaseline glass represents the classic uranium glass color, blue and pink uranium pieces command premium prices due to their rarity and the difficulty of achieving these colors during production.
Whether you’re a serious collector or just someone who loves the mysterious glow of uranium glass, understanding these factors will help you make informed decisions. Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy these beautiful pieces while respecting their history and craftsmanship.
