How to spot uranium glass with a UV torch

Step by step

1. 1

   Step 1: Get the right torch

   Buy a 365 nm UV torch. Cheaper 395 nm torches make lots of things glow purple and are harder to read.

2. 2

   Step 2: Shine it in the dark

   In a dim spot, shine the torch on the glass. Uranium glass glows a strong, even, bright green from inside the glass, not just on the surface.

3. 3

   Step 3: Know the types

   Yellow green Vaseline glass, green and yellow pressed glass, some opaque custard glass and some jadeite all glow. Clear glass with a yellow tint can surprise you.

4. 4

   Step 4: Rule out lookalikes

   Some coatings and modern glass glow faintly. A real piece glows evenly and brightly through the whole body.

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   Step 5: Photograph the glow

   Take a photo under UV light as well as a normal photo. Buyers love seeing the glow in a listing.