
The Commonwealth Government announced in 1977 that new uranium mining was to proceed, commencing with the Ranger project in the Northern Territory. Mary Kathleen's second production phase was1976 to the end of 1982. Other developments were deferred pending the findings of the Ranger Uranium Environmental Inquiry, and its decision in the light of these. Mary Kathleen began recommissioning its mine and mill in 1974. The minor exploration boom 2002-07 was driven by small companies focused on proving up known deposits.) (Since then only two significant new ones have been found: Kintyre and Beverley Four Mile. A total of some 60 uranium deposits were identified from the 1950s through to the late 1970s, many by big companies with big budgets. The development of civil nuclear power stimulated a second wave of exploration activity in the late 1960s. However, much of it was used for electricity production. Sales were to supply material primarily intended for USA and UK weapons programs at that time. Production ceased either when ore reserves were exhausted or contracts were filled. Radium Hill, SA, Rum Jungle, NT, and Mary Kathleen, Queensland, were the largest producers of uranium (as yellowcake). Uranium ores as such were mined and treated in Australia initially from the 1950s until 1971. As a result a few hundred kilograms of uranium were also produced. In the 1930s ores were mined at Radium Hill and Mount Painter in SA to recover radium for medical purposes. Uranium is a small part of this economically, but in energy terms, uranium (4200 PJ in 2015-16) comprises about one-quarter of energy exports. The Australian economy is unique in the OECD in that about 20% of GDP is accounted for by mining and mining services (in 2012). Its main recommendation was for an international high-level nuclear waste repository, though this was not accepted. In May 2016 the South Australian government's royal commission on the nuclear fuel cycle reported.Australia uses no nuclear power, but with high reliance on coal any likely carbon constraints on electricity generation will make it a strong possibility.All production is exported. Uranium comprises about one-quarter of energy exports. It is the world's third-ranking producer, behind Kazakhstan and Canada. In 2019 Australia produced 7798 tonnes of U 3O 8 (6612 tU).Australia's known uranium resources are the world's largest – almost one-third of the world total.Australia's uranium has been mined since 1954, and three mines are currently operating.Vaseline glass is a subset of Uranium glass that has uranium in it, but that is only yellow in color. If you care about distinguishing the two in your search, Uranium glass is any glass that has uranium in it and can be yellow or green in color.While some Uranium glass has an oily sheen to it, that doesn’t mean that a piece lacking said sheen isn’t real. Don’t be fooled by external appearance or texture.If you’re serious about only collecting Uranium or Vaseline glass, carry a small black light wand with you, since that is the only sure-fire way to see the presence of Uranium.Based on appearance, it’s easy to confuse Uranium glass with Depression glass, but Depression glass does not have any uranium in it, so it doesn’t glow.Whether it’s by going to antique shops or estate sales, or just looking at pictures in art books or online, this is one of the best ways to get started. Acquaint yourself with glassware from the same time period so you can learn to distinguish it.Below, we’ve got a few pointers to keep in mind when you come across pieces you’re not sure about.
#Radium glass vs uranium glass how to
If you’re a collector or interested in starting a collection of Uranium glass, it can be hard to know how to start your search, especially when there are so many beautiful glass pieces out there. In reference to Uranium glass’ radioactivity, it should be noted that, while pieces from the late-19th and early-20th centuries were comprised of 2-25% uranium, the level of radioactivity is still negligible in the long run people are exposed to radioactive materials every day and, while we wouldn’t recommend eating or drinking from them, these pieces weren’t actually considered harmful.įrom: Darlene Duplessis: “Vaseline glass salt and pepper shakers.” Collecting While you may be able to recognize some pieces just by looking at them, it takes a UV black light to officially see whether or not the glass flouresces due to the presence of uranium keep in mind, the glass glows green only because of the uranium, not because it’s radioactive.

Tinged varying shades of yellow, Vaseline glass can have an oily sheen to it, and is generally, although not always, translucent. Uranium glass is characterized by the presence of uranium (oxide) and, in some cases, iron oxide, which is what makes it green. From: Raun Lynott: “Part of my “Green Glass” collection which is all Vaseline glass that glows under Blacklight.
