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What is sapphire crystal? Properties, comparisons and applications

Everyone knows that such glass, and most - what is sapphires. Beautiful precious stones that are used to make jewelry. Well, what is sapphire glass, what is it for and what does it have to do with minerals?

Different kinds

There are three main varieties used in modern conditions: Plexiglas or, as it is also called, plastic, as well as mineral and sapphire glass, although the first, in fact, they are not. In fact, there are many types, of course, because different sprays, additives, etc. are used. Without some preparation, not everyone will be able to distinguish one species from another, but for a specialist and just a person with some experience with glass, this will not be Great work.

Main properties of sapphire crystal

Officially this substance is called monocrystalline aluminum. Far not so beautiful, right? And in fact it is not glass, but crystal. To sapphires, he has a very mediocre attitude, because it is not about natural stones, but what is obtained in the laboratory. However, this does not detract from the excellent properties of this material.

First, it is extremely durable. It's quite difficult to scratch with anything other than a diamond, so it's not scary to wear it out. On the one hand, this prolongs the life of the products, but on the other hand it complicates the processing, and thus increases the cost of production. Secondly, this material has a beautiful glossy luster and significant transparency. And, third, he is very fragile. Surprisingly, like diamonds, having a huge hardness, sapphire crystal is easily broken, so you should treat the products with its use carefully.

Application

First of all, undoubtedly, plexiglass, mineral or sapphire glass is used in the watch industry to protect the dial. But in the near future it is said that they will also be used as a cover for screens of smartphones, laptops and other electronic devices. The mineral variety has been used for a long time, but the sapphire crystal for watches and sensory devices has been developed relatively recently. Of course, in this regard, patent wars are already under way, and competitors are arguing about which kind is still better. So, what is the difference between the two most common materials, and which one to give preference to?

Mineral or sapphire: comparative characteristics

They differ significantly in price, in properties and in prevalence. Their advantages and disadvantages are in both varieties. And yet the sapphire crystal on the watch has become, rather, a symbol of status than a necessity, while the mineral seems to be the middle class. Is it really?

Sapphire crystal is harder. Usually for the school of Mohs, it is assigned the value 9, while the mineral is satisfied with the index of 6.5. This means that any metal keys can damage it. On the other hand, sapphire spraying can prevent this problem.

Mineral glass is less fragile. Unfortunately, a sapphire crystal is very easy to break, therefore it is not worthwhile hitting the dial with a hammer. The latest developments and improvements in mineral glass have shown that it is 2.5 times more difficult to destroy.

The sapphire crystal is thicker and heavier. For watches, this does not have a serious meaning, but for screens of electronic devices, what else? The thinner the glass, the better the touch screen responds to touch. The weight of mineral glass is 1.6 times less than the equivalent. The difference is small, but in connection with the desire for compactness, this can be an advantage.

Finally, the price. Sapphire crystal is difficult to process, so the cost of its production is about 10 times higher than in the case of mineral. To produce it, more energy is expended, and this process is rather non-ecological.

How to distinguish?

First of all, it can be done by marking sapphire glass or crystal glass. The latter refers to the mineral. If there are no markings or it is necessary to carry out a check, then it will be necessary to find out by means of a series of experiments.

The simplest way is to determine how quickly the glass is heated. Sapphire remains cold much longer than the mineral variety, but in this case it is necessary that there was something to compare with.

Another way is to try to scratch the glass with something metallic. Sapphire will not yield, but on the mineral can remain a scratch. In addition, many new technologies for manufacturing organic glasses have appeared recently, that their hardness has increased significantly, so even this test can not help. Another type of verification is also not very accurate, but it can be useful. It is necessary to drop a little water on the glass and tilt the surface. With organic glass, the liquid will easily slip off, and to sapphire, especially with an anti-reflective coating, as if sticking, keeping the shape.

In any case, the marking of the last variety must be present. Also it must be remembered that sapphire glass simply can not cost cheap. So too low a price - an occasion to doubt honesty of the seller and to demand documents for the goods.

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