Chameleon Glass Changes Colors!

Mother Nature has created some amazing creatures that have the ability to change colors on a moment's notice. Chameleons and octopuses are two of the most well-known animals in the animal kingdom that can change from one color to another. Chameleon glass is the name given to glass that was created by man, and it changes colors depending on the light source illuminating it. Chameleon glass is a beautiful pinkish-amethyst color in most homes that use incandescent lights and will turn a light blue when viewed under fluorescent lighting. Just like animals, Chameleon glass also has a scientific name which is called Neodymium glass. Neodymium oxide (Nd 2O 3) is considered to be a relatively rare earth metal and is used to color glass.

Neodymium was first discovered in 1885 by Baron Carl Aeur von Welsbach, an Austrian chemist. The first commercial use of neodymium was by the Moser Glass Company in 1927. Moser named their new color "Alexandrite". American glass companies soon followed Moser in 1930 and started developing their own colors. The Heisey and Morgantown Glass Companies called their colors "Alexandrite". The Fostoria Glass Company named their color "Wisteria" and the Tiffin Glass Company produced a color in 1950 called "Twilight". The Cambridge Glass Company called theirs "Heatherbloom" and even the world renowned Steuben Glass Company produced a color named "Wisteria". Neodymium glass is presently being used in modern day lasers, incandescent light bulbs and even some automotive rear view mirrors. It's best to use the manufacturer's name given to the color when looking for pieces produced in this color.

Heisey, Cambridge and Tiffin glass companies produced the most pieces in this color. Heisey Alexandrite is very popular and the easiest pieces to find are stems. Heisey also produced plates, bowls, cups/saucers, candlesticks, vases and even water pitchers in Alexandrite. Many of these pieces may be found decorated with cuttings or with beautiful intricate patterns etched onto the glass. Cambridge Heatherbloom was used in many different lines and items which can be found plain or etched. Three of Cambridge's most popular etches: Appleblossom, Gloria, and Portia were done in Heatherbloom. The easiest pieces to find are stems, candlesticks and bowls. Serving pieces are especially desirable and hard to find. Cambridge ball water pitchers are on many collectors wish lists.

Tiffin produced a number of different stems in Twilight and they also produced a series of bowls and vases in Twilight. These bowls and vases have a very modern design to them and the line was named "Modern". Tiffin combined Twilight with two other colors to produce exquisite pieces in the Modern line. Twilight was used on the top with smoke or green on the bottom of each piece.

The next all glass and pottery show featuring many of the patterns mentioned in this article, as well as many others, will be sponsored by RMDGS. A fabulous collection of Tiffin Modern will be on exhibit. The show will provide collectors the opportunity to purchase museum quality glass and pottery to decorate their home or office. The theme for this year's show is "Deco on Display". A fabulous collection of "Nudes" crafted by the Cambridge Glass Company will be featured. Large exhibits of Nudes are truly breath taking when seen in person. In addition, there will be three extremely rare Cambridge Art Deco Mannequin heads on display that must be seen to be believed. Additionally 13-15 exhibits featuring Art Deco and Modern themes will be available for the public to view.

The show is located at the Douglas County Events Center, 500 Fairgrounds Road (Exit 181 from I25) in Castle Rock, Co. 80104. Hours: Sat. (10am - 5pm) Sun. (11am - 4pm) Admission: $4 good for both days. Parking is free, food is available, and the Events Center is handicap accessible. Show Link: ( Glass & Pottery Show).

The Kirkland Museum of Decorative and Fine Art in Denver has some fine examples of the glass mentioned in this article on exhibit. I highly recommend that you visit the museum which is located at 1311 Pearl St., Denver, Co. 80203 (303) 832-8576. The museum will also be exhibiting part of its extensive collection of glass and pottery at the show. The Kirkland Museum features more than 3,000 decorative art works, focusing on the first seventy-five years of the 20th Century, including Arts & Crafts, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Modern and Pop Art. Many of today's popular patterns are now proudly being displayed in museums. While the Kirkland museum may be lesser known, it has been recognized as the top museum in the country for its collection of Art Deco and Modern glass and pottery.

The Denver Modernism Show is another fantastic opportunity to add to your collection of modern and Art Deco glass or pottery; you might want to consider attending the show to learn more about collecting Art Deco and Modern glass. In addition to glass, the show will have a wide assortment of other Art Deco and Modern merchandise for sale. The next Denver Modernism show will be Aug. 15 - 17, 2008. The 3rd Annual Denver Modernism Show will be held at the National Western Complex, near the intersection of I-25 and I-70. Please visit their website at: ( www.denvermodernism.com).