You Won’t Believe What Makes These Vintage Glass Pieces So Special!
July 18, 2024
Collecting antique glass is a rather interesting activity that helps to reveal the history of the development of this particular branch of art. Out of all the kinds of antique glass, manganese and uranium containing glass is considered to be the most valuable as well as beautiful. These elements were not only applied for the decorative purpose but also for the practical purposes in the process of glassmaking. It is helpful to know the differences between the two kinds of elements used in vintage glass to make the appreciation of these valuable items more substantial.
Manganese in Vintage Glass
Manganese has been applied in the removal of colors in manufacture of glass for many decades. Manganese also known as the “glassmaker’s soap” was used in making clear glass to help counter the green hue that was produced when iron was present. This remained a practice from the Roman era all the way to the early twentieth century. Some types of glass that contain manganese when exposed to ultraviolet light, have a property where it changes to a purple or lavender colour, which is called sun purple glass. This change in colors happens because the manganese impregnated glass deteriorates with time when exposed to direct sunlight and this makes such pieces of glass to have both historical value and aesthetic value.
Uranium in Vintage Glass
Uranium glass, or Vaseline glass as it is commonly known because of its yellow-green color when exposed to regular light, is quite different. If placed under ultra violet light, uranium glass emits a green glow which is why it is much coveted by collectors. The employment of uranium in the production of glass began in the 1830s, and the style became especially widespread in the last quarter of the 19th and the first quarter of the 20th centuries. Besides for the aesthetic purpose of uranium giving the glass a green hue, it also had a very high fluorescence. Uranium glass though radioactive is safe to touch, but it has to be stored carefully like any other glassware.
Key Differences
While both manganese and uranium were used to alter the appearance of glass, their effects and applications are distinct:While both manganese and uranium were used to alter the appearance of glass, their effects and applications are distinct:
Purpose and Appearance:
Manganese: It is mostly employed in removal of colour that comes from iron particles giving water a green colour. Gradually, manganese glass acquires a violet or lavender tint when exposed to the sunlight.
Uranium: Added to glass for the purpose of giving it a yellow green color and a special property of fluorescing under ultra violet light. Uranium glass is mostly transparent or green or yellow in regular light, butphosphoresces green under ultraviolet light.
Historical Use:
Manganese: Practiced since the Romans and still commonly done until the beginning of the 20th century.
Uranium: Began to be used in the 1830’s, with a high usage in the late 19th to early 20th century.
Health and Safety:
Manganese: Non radioactive and can easily be handled without the risk of harm.
Uranium: Gently glowing and decidedly not hazardous for handling or for display purposes. Nonetheless, it should be stored well.
Collectibility and Identification:
Manganese: Thus, the collectors focus on the pieces which have a tendency to turn purple, especially in the clear glass.
Uranium: As a result, collectors are attracted to this piece due to the bright green fluoresce under UV light to aid in locating it.