Where to Find Uranium Glass Beads/Wands & Safety Protocols

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on sourcing uranium glass beads and wands for art-making, specifically using uranyl nitrate (UO2(NO3)2) as a material. Participants suggest searching eBay for Czech Vaseline glass and mention that safety protocols are crucial when handling uranium materials. Key safety considerations include managing quantities, dust control, and respiratory protection, especially when working with raw glass due to potential off-gassing and glass dust. It is established that both the use of uranyl nitrate and the processing of uranium glass can be safe and legal if proper precautions are taken.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of uranyl nitrate (UO2(NO3)2) and its applications
  • Knowledge of safety protocols for handling radioactive materials
  • Familiarity with glassworking techniques and materials
  • Awareness of legal regulations regarding uranium materials in your region
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the process of making UV glass using uranyl nitrate
  • Investigate safety protocols for working with uranium glass and raw glass materials
  • Explore sources for purchasing uranium glass and uranyl nitrate, including eBay and local suppliers
  • Learn about the registration process for the decorative glass industry in your state
USEFUL FOR

Artists, glassworkers, and hobbyists interested in creating uranium glass items, as well as safety professionals and regulatory compliance officers in the decorative glass industry.

pimpypot
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TL;DR
source and safety of uranyl nitrate, UO2(NO3)2 for green UV art glass
I cannot find a source of uranium glass beads/wands for art making. It is mentioned online that one can make UV glass with a derivative of uranyl nitrate, UO2(NO3)2 . Does anyone know a source of uranyl nitrate, or raw glass material, and what are the minimum safety protocols, such as quantity, dust control, and respiration mask. Do the safety protocols change when working with raw glass, such as with off gassing or glass dust? It is my understanding either scenario is safe and legal as long as the working quantity and particulates are kept to a minimum.
 
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First eBay search international for “URANIUM Czech Vaseline glass”

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uranium_glass
Do you want to make a significant amount of glassware or do you want a few uranium glass beads for decoration?

Small beads will probably need a higher U% than thicker glassware, but you might buy the glassware new and cheap on eBay, then melt it down to cast your own beads.

You can probably buy yellow cake = uranium oxide in Australia. You will probably need to register with your state as a member of the decorative glass industry before you can get a license to buy. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellowcake

Depleted Uranium, DU, is used as ballast weights and may be available in the US or Europe where there is an atomic energy industry. That may be the source of the uranium in the Czech beads.

Safety issues will depend on the processes you will carry out.
You have not clearly specified the required end result.