A filtered 365 nm UV light is the best single choice for viewing both uranium and manganese glass.
| Glass type | Best UV wavelength | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Uranium glass | 365 or 395 nm | Usually a strong, bright green glow under either wavelength. |
| Manganese glass | 365 nm | Often a softer yellow-green glow; generally much weaker or absent under 395 nm. |
Using both wavelengths helps distinguish them: green fluorescence under 365 nm alone does not prove uranium content. Some manganese-rich glass can also respond to 395 nm, so this comparison is a useful screening test rather than definitive identification.
For a handheld light, my pick is the USB 365nm NDT Forensic UV. It is filtered to reduce visible light that can wash out the fluorescence, rechargeable through USB-C, and currently listed at $118.
For shopping and identification, carry a 365 nm light plus a separate 395 nm light. For displaying a mixed collection, choose 365 nm. Avoid shining either directly into your eyes.