Questions about Oxblood

[Parmcat]

Hey friends,

I have some questions about Oxblood.  It seems everyone wants it, and a lot misidentify it.

What is it?  Is it just a colour, or is it actually Oxblood used in the colouring process?

Why is is so sought after?

Any info will be awesome!

Thanks!

[Joe2]

AI Overview

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Oxblood marbles, prized for their deep red color with swirling patterns, have a history tied to both early glassmaking techniques and the evolution of marble collecting. The term "oxblood" refers to a specific type of red glass coloration, often achieved using copper compounds in the glassmaking process, which can be found in marbles from various makers. 

 

Here's a more detailed look at the history:

• Early Glassmaking:

  Oxblood glass, characterized by its deep red hue, was a sought-after color in glassmaking, often achieved through the use of copper. 

   
• American Cornelians (Bricks):

  BuyMarbles.com says M.F. Christensen & Son Company produced "Cornelians" and "Bricks," which featured a dark red translucent base with white swirls. While the red in these marbles is often mistaken for oxblood, it's not a true oxblood. BuyMarbles.com also notes Akro Agate also produced a "Brick" marble with a dark oxblood color and white swirls, but it lacks the hand-gathered characteristics of the Christensen examples. 

   
• Copper-Based Reds:

  The use of copper in creating red glass, while producing beautiful results, became less common as more easily produced selenium and cadmium-based reds emerged in the mid to late 1920s, ALL ABOUT MARBLES says according to a historical glass batch book. 

   
• Oxblood in Other Makers:

  While M.F. Christensen is known for its oxblood marbles, other manufacturers like Akro Agate, Peltier, Alley, and Vitro also produced marbles featuring oxblood, sometimes as a random occurrence or in specific lines. 

   
• Distinctive Features:

  Oxblood marbles can be identified by their deep red color, often with swirls or streaks of other colors like white, black, or even green. Some, like the M.F. Christensen "Bricks," have distinctive "9" and tail patterns. 

   
• Collectible Value:

  Oxblood marbles, especially those with unique patterns or from specific makers, are highly sought after by collectors. 

   
• Jabo Oxblood:

  A Facebook post reports Jabo (a marble manufacturer) produced oxblood and aventurine marbles in the early 2000s, showcasing the continued interest in this color. 

   

This video shows examples of vintage oxblood and aventurine marbles:

 

[Joe2]

1 hour ago, Parmcat said:

Hey friends,

I have some questions about Oxblood.  It seems everyone wants it, and a lot misidentify it.

What is it?  Is it just a colour, or is it actually Oxblood used in the colouring process?

Why is is so sought after?

Any info will be awesome!

Thanks!

richsantaclaus has on page #⁵ in most viewed Stephen Study Hall ✓it out

[Ric]

I think this is the post Joe is referring to . . .

 

[Al Oregon]

Here are a couple pictures that shows a lot of varieties of oxblood.

 

[Alan]

To the OP's question:

These days - new collectors want "stuff" in their marbles.  They want what they think is premium....what they think other people want/don't have.  And thus having "stuff" in their marble is desired.  So called "aventurine".  "Lutz".  "Mica". etc etc.  It has become "What the cool kids have".  There is little rhyme or reason to it beyond catchy words.

People chasing oxblood are so eager for it that many things red, brown or dark red are frequently mistaken for "oxblood".  Eager for it, people see things through that hopeful filter.

[Parmcat]

1 minute ago, Alan said:

To the OP's question:

These days - new collectors want "stuff" in their marbles.  They want what they think is premium....what they think other people want/don't have.  And thus having "stuff" in their marble is desired.  So called "aventurine".  "Lutz".  "Mica". etc etc.  It has become "What the cool kids have".  There is little rhyme or reason to it beyond catchy words.

People chasing oxblood are so eager for it that many things red, brown or dark red are frequently mistaken for "oxblood".  Eager for it, people see things through that hopeful filter.

Awesome.  Thank you