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Certain types of glassware, particularly those containing uranium or other fluorescent materials, will exhibit a glowing effect under UV light. Uranium glass, also known as Vaseline glass, is well-known for its bright green fluorescence under UV light. Other types of glass, like those containing cadmium or selenium, can also fluoresce under UV light, displaying colors like yellow, orange, red, or pink.
- This type of glass, popular in the past, contains uranium oxide and glows green under UV light.
- It can range in color from yellow-green (Vaseline) to milk glass and even appear colorless or pale green depending on the specific composition and lighting.
- The intensity of the glow can vary, and some pieces might not fluoresce as strongly as others.
- Glass containing cadmium can produce a yellow, orange, red, or pink glow under UV light.
- Glass with selenium can exhibit a pale pink or orange glow under UV light.
- Some vintage glass, like carnival glass, milk glass, and depression glass, might also contain trace amounts of fluorescent materials and display a glow under UV light.
- Some plastic glassware, like high ball glasses, are designed to be UV reactive and will glow brightly under UV light.
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Not all glass fluoresces:Many types of glass, including ordinary window glass, will not fluoresce under UV light.
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UV light source:A UV light source, often called a black light, is needed to observe the fluorescence.