Uranium Glass Ball (Imperfect Specimen)
$14.95
Sale price
$14.95
Regular price
$17.95
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Uranium Glass Ball (Imperfect Specimen)
$14.95
Sale price
$14.95
Regular price
$17.95
Uranium glass is made with a small amount of uranium, the element with atomic number 92. Glassmakers added uranium compounds to create vibrant yellow and green colors, but the uranium also gives the glass an unexpected property: under ultraviolet light, it fluoresces with an intense neon-green glow.
The glass became especially popular during the Victorian era, when uranium glass was prized for its striking colors. At the time, few people ever saw it because UV lights were not readily available. Production declined during the mid-20th century as uranium became more tightly regulated. Today, inexpensive UV flashlights have given uranium glass a resurgence in popularity.
The presence of uranium also means the glass is radioactive—although weakly. For reference, sitting in a bathtub filled with typical uranium glass is comparable in radiation exposure to sitting on an airline flight. Harmless enough to handle but avoid eating it.
- 1” diameter.
- These are being sold as imperfect and as-is. Expect cracks, chips, and manufacturing imperfections.
- A little bit radioactive, but harmless. (We measured ~0.14 μSv/h for a single ball, slightly above background radiation.)
- Glows bright green under UV light (blacklight)!
- Makes a great uranium sample if you're collecting the elements.
- May come in a cloth bag or small box.
Learn more about the science behind the glow of uranium glass, and many other interesting colors, in our new book The Universe in 100 Colors.
Legality: In the US, uranium is federally regulated; however, an exception has been made for glassware containing uranium. Check your local laws if you live outside of the US.
This item was previously featured in our Matter Science Box
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Science Education Programs: Every purchase helps fund our guest lectures, science fairs, and community science clubs — bringing real scientific literacy to curious minds of all ages.
Sustainable Small Business: We partner with agroforestry and carbon capture organizations to keep our entire emissions footprint net negative — not just neutral.
Independent Researchers: We source directly from active research labs, so your purchase puts money back into the hands of working scientists.
F
The Uranium Ball is a wonderful scientific curiosity, safer and more economical than antique uranium dinnerware. It should be noted that the green glow is best achieved with a 365nm UV light. The data card is a good idea.
A
Totally love this sample of Uranium Glass. Slightly radioactive and is completely safe to handle.
M
Totally love this ! Radioactivity is slightly above background radiation but completely harmless.
E
Erica rated this 5 stars on Etsy
S
These are INSANELY pretty under a black light. The pic doesn't do them justice. And had to hold my little blacklight flashlight waaaaay far away because they were glowing too bright for my camera. Definitely worth it, I absolutely love them!
C
looks just like picture, came fast will order again
J
Very awsome product love it highly recommended if your into oddities.
S
Everything was exactly as ordered
A
Exactly as described
G
Item is exactly as described and very beautiful!
E
It worked like a charm very glowing!
E
This brings glowing green light to the next level the concept of this round orb mystifying brilliant color!!!
F
Exactly as described. Nice but only wish it was larger.
C
It's a very unique item.
R
Very pretty i love it
N
Unique and awesome piece of history definitely worth adding to my collection.
B
As described, professional, prompt shipping, I will buy from again and recommend ty ty!
E
Took a bit before it shipped.
D
Great science gift, arrived well packaged
P
This was a great store. Exactly as shown in the pictures and I got tracking immediately.
H
Great item as described and great shipping
C
Awesome item! Glows green under blacklight and registered on my husband's Geiger counter.
A
Awesome like them very much thank you!
C
My friend loved it and it looked really cool when we put it under black light!
S
A + + + +
R
Absolute beauties. Thank you so much x
G
My son was very happy with this gift.
L
Great item! Far better than expected.
K
Shipping was fast and the item arrived as described.
C
I’m super excited I bought this for a family member and she loved it goes super great with her collection and shines so bright when u put light on it super kool highly recommended
A
Glad to get this neat item
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