Sapphire, renowned for its exceptional optical properties, possesses a remarkable index of refraction (RI). This measure represents the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to its speed within the sapphire crystal. Sapphire’s high RI of approximately 1.76-1.77 indicates its ability to significantly bend light as it passes through, making it ideal for a wide range of optical applications, particularly in high-end jewelry and advanced optical systems. Understanding the index of refraction is crucial for designing and utilizing optical components and devices effectively.
