Vaseline Glass Inkwell with Frosted Glass Cat Lid

This Vaseline glass inkwell is a fusion of whimsy, craftsmanship, and chemistry.

Design Features

• Base: The inkwell’s body is crafted from bright yellow-green Vaseline glass, cut into a 12-pointed starburst form. Each point is sharply faceted, creating a gem-like radiance that refracts ambient light.
• Lid: Hinged atop the base is a frosted glass figure of a seated cat. The cat serves as both a decorative finial and functional lid.
• Metalwork: A brass collar and hinge mechanism secures the lid.

What Makes Vaseline Glass Glow?

The vivid color and signature glow of Vaseline glass come from a fascinating scientific detail:

• Uranium Content: Vaseline glass contains trace amounts of uranium dioxide, typically between 0.1% and 2%. This gives the glass its distinctive yellow-green hue.
• Fluorescence: Under ultraviolet (UV) light, the uranium atoms become excited and emit visible light—causing the glass to fluoresce with an eerie green glow.
• Historical Use: Uranium was added to glass as early as the 1830s, with peak popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially in decorative tableware and novelty items like this inkwell.