ATM diamonds and quartz

[Ina Ron Lippard Renaissance Reproductions <renrepro@surfglobal.net>]

    During WW II we did use a lot of natural quartz in our many optical 
systems. We are
fortunate enough to have a little state that has a very good quality clear 
crystal, and what
may be the largest diamond deposits yet found. Arkansas of all places! I 
have several spikes
from that formation, one of which I ground and polished the sides until 
they are 'water-clear'.
In my reading I have found that small lenses were made from both quartz and 
diamond.
In the book First Light, the Search for the Edge of the Universe, the 
writer explained how
the Coude' lense for the 200' Hale was purchased at a pawn shop as part of 
a watch-fob
for $5! The 1/2' diamond was then carefully ground to spec and is still on 
the job today.
   The diamond story is real. A couple of British geologists found enough 
evidence at the
Diamond Crater National Park in Ark. The state has put the site off limits 
to any corp.
INCLUDING De Beers from mining. But the general public may dig without a 
back-hoe
or explosives. And they DO find diamonds! The potential of being a huge 
deposit is a fact.
The fact that De Beers is a bit peeved for not being allowed to cause yet 
another huge
hole in the ground makes me sleep well at nite.
Does that answer the question?
regards, Ron