Sapphire is grown in boules. Like Semiconductor - from a bath and a rotating crystal.
Massive boules can be made - some large 'windows' have been cut.
These are used in High voltage, High energy applications that heat and beams won't
shatter be compatible with glass. Many 'things' eat glass for lunch.

Martin

Martin Eastburn
@ home at Lions' Lair with our computer lionslair at consolidated dot net
NRA LOH, NRA Life
NRA Second Amendment Task Force Charter Founder



wrote:
I believe Seiko uses sapphire crystals for their watches. While the
retail price is pretty high, you can get a new Seiko for under $25 on
ebay.

Dan


----== Posted via Newsfeeds.Com - Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==----
http://www.newsfeeds.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 120,000+ Newsgroups
----= East and West-Coast Server Farms - Total Privacy via Encryption =----