Manhattan Project Glass
The plutonium for the Manhattan Project that produced the first atomic weapons was processed at the Hanford Site in Washington state. Scientists at the T-221 Plant in Hanford worked with the material from behind thick, exceptionally clear, brilliantly yellow glass. The yellow coloration came from the glass' composition: a 70% mixture of lead oxide to protect against blue and near-UV spectral frequencies along with harmful radiation. This is a piece of that glass, a relic that looked upon one of the most important developments in human history. This piece measures just over four by three inches and weighs 5.72 pounds. While it isn't radioactive thanks to its high lead concentration, prospective buyers would be wise to handle the artifact with gloves. Estimated to fetch over $3,000, this piece of history is currently up for auction via Heritage Auctions.