Not Pyrex Or CorningWare: The Glowing Kitchenware That's A Rare Thrift Find

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If you're a fan of mid-century modern style and collectible glassware, you probably have a beautiful collection of Pyrex and Corningware. Maybe you have some of the hard-to-find and rare patterns, like Golden Sunflower Daisy and Pink Stems. Or, perhaps you have a nice amount of Pyrex pieces with a long-running pattern, like Early American or Spring Blossom. Although Pyrex and Corningware are the big names of vintage glass, there's another type that's worth getting into — Vaseline glass.

First produced in the late 19th century up until World War II, then returning in 1959, Vaseline glass is radioactive — literally. It contains small amounts of uranium, which gives it its yellowish color and also makes it glow under ultraviolet light, such as a black light. Occasionally confused with Depression era glass, Vaseline glass is an example of a prized glass item you shouldn't skip at a thrift store or estate sale. Some pieces, especially older ones, are rare and sought-after.

However, before you bring home your first piece of Vaseline glass, there are a few things you need to know. While it is radioactive, it is generally safe to have in your home — just don't eat or drink from it. If it breaks, get in touch with your local radiation control program to find out the safest way to dispose of it.

How do you know if the glassware you've found is Vaseline glass and not another type of glass that's making a comeback, like Depression glass? Examine the piece carefully — Vaseline glass is a transparent yellow. There are other types of glass that contain uranium, called custard or Burmese glass, but they are opaque and aren't considered Vaseline glass.

The other way to determine if a piece of glassware is actually Vaseline glass is to expose it to ultraviolet light. If you aren't in the habit of carrying a black light along with you when you're out antiquing, you can DIY your own by placing several layers of transparent tape over your smartphone's camera and coloring it in with blue and purple permanent markers. With a black light shining on it, Vaseline glass will glow an eerie green color, like Slimer in Ghostbusters. It's worth noting that Vaseline glass isn't the only type of glass that glows under blacklight. Vintage pieces containing selenium or cadmium will glow bright pink or red under UV light.

As with all things vintage and antique, how much Vaseline glass is worth depends on its age and condition. An old piece, from the late 19th or early 20th century for instance, that's in great shape may sell for several hundred dollars, while a more recent, mid-20th century piece may sell for $50 or so.