What causes depression glass?

The great majority of the green Depression-era glass contains very small quantities of uranium, which causes the glass to glow a fluorescent green under an ultraviolet light (blacklight).

What is the story behind Depression glass?

Depression glass is so called because collectors generally associate mass-produced glassware in pink, yellow, crystal, green, and blue with the Great Depression in America.

Is Depression glass worth anything today?

While many of the common patterns in yellow or amber can be acquired for just a few dollars, patterns that were short-lived during the Great Depression are particularly valuable. Glass that was once worth less than a quarter can be worth thousands of dollars today.

How can you tell if Depression glass is radioactive?

Perhaps the most reliable way to identify the presence of uranium in the glass is to expose it in the dark to a source of ultraviolet light (e.g., a black light). If the glass glows a rich green color, it contains uranium.

Is Depression glass harmful?

If it is positive for Uranium it will fluoresce (glow) from the UV exposure. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends against eating or drinking from Uranium glassware. But because the glass only contains a small amount of Uranium, many websites argue that this glass is safe to eat off of.

What is Depression Glass?

Can you drink from Depression glass?

The answers from people who sell and collect depression glass is that it is safe; they mention uranium in some colors, arsenic in others...but it's safe they say because it's a tiny amount, it's bound up in the matrix of the glass, and so forth.

Why does Depression glass glow under blacklight?

Dating Glass and Testing for Reproductions

Both green Depression glass and Vaseline glass will glow under a black light due ​to the uranium oxide content in the glass. Old Burmese glass fluoresces a similar yellow-green color.

What is the difference between Depression glass and Vaseline glass?

Most Depression glass was made with uranium, but it also contained iron oxide, which makes the glass much greener than Vaseline glass. Depression glass is often less valuable than Vaseline glass, so collectors have to be careful to not confuse the two.

Can Depression glass go in the dishwasher?

Using the dishwasher will also cause your glass to get hazy. It happens gradually, but if you get haze or water spotting, this film will not come off easily, if at all. Wash your vintage glass by hand. Place a towel or large dishcloth in the bottom of the sink and wash carefully by hand.

What Depression glass has uranium?

The term “uranium glass” generally describes glass with uranium oxide, which glows under a black light. Other terms — Vaseline glass and Depression glass, for example — came later and apply more specifically to lighter yellow glass and glass made during the Great Depression, respectively.

What is the rarest type of depression glass?

Pink glass is most valuable, followed by blue and green. Rare colors such as tangerine and lavender are also worth more than common colors like yellow and amber. If you stumble upon an extremely rare piece like the red ruby Aladdin Beehive Lamp, expect to pay $800 or more!

Why was Depression glass so cheap?

​A lot of Depression Glass was poorly made, it was being produced so quickly and for such a cheap price, refining the final product wasn't a concern. When you look closely at a piece there are often small air bubbles or rough seams along the edges. Pieces with manufacturing blemishes are less attractive to collectors.

Is Depression glass making a comeback?

This early 20th century collectible's making a comeback, so now's the time to buy. Move over, Dorothy Draper! A popular vintage decor trend is having a moment. You can use leftover paint or wallpaper for it!

Why is it called depression?

The term “depression” came into use in the 19th century, originally as “mental depression,” to describe lowering of spirits, and came to replace melancholia as a diagnosis.

What color glass is worth money?

Look for pink, blue and green glassware

Pink tends to be the most valuable because it is more rare. Yellow and amber colored depression glass is more common and therefore less valuable.

Does all depression glass contain uranium?

The great majority of the green Depression-era glass contains very small quantities of uranium, which causes the glass to glow a fluorescent green under an ultraviolet light (blacklight).

Can you microwave Depression glass?

Glass can have small invisible stress points that will shatter with spot heating. If there is even a trace of water in a small crevice it can get over heated in the microwave. Shattered depression glass is not fun to pick up.

How do you restore Depression glass?

If glassware is grimy or especially dusty, let it soak for several minutes in warm soapy water. Then use a soft sponge to wash it. Soak another time or two if needed. If crevices still remain dirty, gently use a soft toothbrush to work at the grime.

How do you clean cloudy Depression glass?

Leave the object in vinegar and water overnight to loosen calcium deposits, rinse with water and dry with a microfiber towel. Vaseline or petroleum jelly can sometimes remove light calcium build-up. Let it sit for 4-5 days before removing.

What is yellow Depression glass called?

Cameo Depression Glass Pattern

Most often seen in green, but yellow and pink can also be found. A limited amount of clear Cameo was also made featuring a platinum rim.

Is milk glass still made?

This eye-catching glass is still produced today and is used for a variety of purposes. Moreover, these pieces of antique and vintage glassware can be found in various colors. However, the most popular type is still the color milk-white.

Can uranium glass hurt you?

Neither you nor your customers are at risk from the radiation given off by uranium in Vaseline glass, whether they're holding the piece or it's just sitting on a shelf or table. Neither you nor your customers are at risk from uranium if you accidentally ingest or inhale dust or small chips that happen to break off.

What vintage glass glows orange in blacklight?

Reddish orange manganese glass is sometimes called “persimmon glass.” Manganese Dioxide (MnO2) was also used to decolorize glass containing iron impurities, or to stabilize the color of glass so it wouldn't shift over time. Glass that contains manganese glows green, red, orange, or peach under black light.

Why did they put uranium in glass?

The uranium is thought to have been added intentionally by the Roman artisans, in the form of a uranium-bearing mineral, to impart color to the glass.

Is cobalt blue glass toxic?

Health Concerns. As mentioned earlier, cobalt is generally safe--but not for the workers who extract it from the environment and are likely to be inhaling high and harmful amounts of cobalt on a regular basis.