Transparent ceramics

In the past, "ceramic" brought to mind delicate cups and teapots. Today, there are ceramics so durable they can be used as armor -- like the super-strong ceramics created by Fraunhofer IKTS, with aluminum oxide (also known as alumina) and spinel, a gemlike mineral.What sets these innovative materials apart is that they are also transparent, meaning they can be used for highly durable windows -- including rich, jewel-like colors, like those seen here.

Source: images.businessweek.comAdded: 27 October 2006