Sapphires are a type of mineral that has long been prized for their beauty and durability. In recent years, they have also become an important component in the production of mobile phones. This paper will explore the use of sapphires in mobile phone technology, discussing their properties, advantages and limitations, and the manufacturing and environmental considerations involved.

History of Mobile Phone Screens

Mobile phone screens have evolved significantly since the first mobile phone was introduced in 1983. Initially, screens were small and had low resolutions. Over time, screen sizes increased and resolutions improved. In the early 2010s, sapphire glass was introduced as a potential alternative to the commonly used Gorilla Glass. Sapphire glass is a clear and extremely hard material, making it a promising candidate for mobile phone screens.

Properties of Sapphire Glass

A sapphire glass has several properties that make it ideal for use in mobile phones. First, it is incredibly hard, measuring a 9 on the Mohs hardness scale (compared to Gorilla Glass's 6). This makes it much more resistant to scratches and other damage. Second, it is transparent and clear, making it an ideal material for use in screens. Finally, it is highly resistant to shattering, which can help prevent damage to the phone during accidental drops or impacts.

Sapphire Glass in Mobile Phone Technology

The use of sapphire glass in mobile phone technology has primarily been focused on screens. However, sapphire is also being used in other parts of mobile phones, including camera lenses and home buttons. The future potential for sapphire in mobile phones is still being explored, with some suggesting that it could eventually replace other materials in phone manufacturing.

Manufacturing and Cost Considerations

The process of manufacturing sapphire glass is complex and expensive, which has limited its widespread use in mobile phone production. However, some manufacturers have begun using sapphire in their high-end models. While the cost of sapphire glass is higher than that of other materials, it may be worth the investment for certain use cases.

Use of Sapphires in Apple Phones

Apple has been one of the leading proponents of using sapphire glass in their mobile phones. In 2013, Apple announced plans to build a sapphire glass manufacturing plant in Arizona, which was expected to produce enough sapphire for up to 100 million iPhones per year. However, the project was later canceled due to manufacturing difficulties.

Despite this setback, Apple has continued to use sapphire glass in some of its products. For example, the Apple Watch Series 6 features a sapphire crystal front cover, which is highly scratch-resistant and offers excellent durability. In addition, some of Apple's higher-end iPhone models have used sapphire in their camera lenses and home buttons.

While sapphire has not been used in the screens of Apple's mobile phones, it is clear that the company sees potential in the material for use in other parts of their products. As technology continues to evolve, it is possible that we will see even more extensive use of sapphire in Apple's products in the future.

Environmental Impact

The mining of sapphires can have significant environmental impacts, particularly in areas where mining is not regulated. Additionally, the energy-intensive process of manufacturing sapphire glass can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. However, efforts are being made to source sapphires sustainably and reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing.

Conclusion

Sapphires have become an increasingly important component in the production of mobile phones. Their unique properties make them ideal for use on screens and other parts of the phone. However, the high cost and environmental considerations involved mean that their use is not yet widespread. As technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how sapphire glass is used in future mobile phone production.