Sapphire — Cracked __top__

Sapphire components are typically manufactured via diamond grinding, lapping, and polishing. Sub-surface damage (SSD) is an inevitable byproduct of these abrasive processes. Micro-cracks are often left beneath the polished surface, invisible to the naked eye.

[1] R. M. Spraggs, "Deformation and Fracture of Sapphire," Journal of the American Ceramic Society , vol. 44, no. 12, pp. 628–634, 1961. [2] J. J. Mecholsky, "Fractography of Brittle Materials," Ceramic Engineering and Science Proceedings , vol. 15, no. 5, 1994. [3] A. H. Heuer and L. W. Hobbs, Science and Technology of Sapphire . Columbus, OH, USA: American Ceramic Society, 1981. [4] D. C. Harris, Materials for Infrared Windows and Domes: Properties and Performance . Bellingham, WA, USA: SPIE Press, 1999. sapphire cracked

Is Your Sapphire Cracked? Here’s What You Need to Know Sapphire is legendary for its durability. Ranking a 9 on the Mohs scale—surpassed only by diamonds—it is the material of choice for luxury watches, high-end camera lenses, and engagement rings [23]. But while it is incredibly scratch-resistant, it is not indestructible. 44, no