Sapphire is a rhombohedral crystalline material. When a synthetic sapphire part is produced, the orientation of the part may affect the performance of that part. “Orientation” refers to the angle of the sapphire crystal from its optical axis, also known as the C-axis.

Synthetic sapphire is a single crystal form of corundum, aka, pure single crystal aluminum oxide, A12O3. The combination of its unique properties make sapphire a preferred material for extreme mechanical, chemical & optical applications. Unlike glass, sapphire cannot be molded. Sapphire can be grown into near net shapes such as tubes and rod, then ground and polished if necessary