zafírkristály

Zafírkristály, also known as sapphire crystal, refers to the crystalline form of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) that is known for its exceptional hardness, brilliance, and a wide spectrum of colors, with blue being the most iconic. While often associated with the gemstone sapphire, zafírkristály can also be synthesized for industrial and technological applications.

Naturally occurring zafírkristály forms under immense heat and pressure deep within the Earth's crust. Its hardness, rated 9 on the Mohs scale, makes it second only to diamond, contributing to its durability and resistance to scratching. This property, combined with its optical clarity and refractive index, makes it a valuable material for jewelry, particularly in the formation of sapphires.

Beyond its use as a gemstone, synthetic zafírkristály is manufactured for various technological purposes. Its high thermal conductivity, electrical insulation properties, and resistance to chemical corrosion make it suitable for applications such as watch faces, durable windows in scientific instruments, substrates for electronic components, and even in some advanced lasers. The precise control over its structure during synthesis allows for tailored properties for specific industrial needs. The color of zafírkristály, whether natural or synthetic, is determined by trace amounts of other elements present during its formation.