The Jewel in the Sand: Manufacturing Lighthouse Lenses

There are few things made by man that are more impressive or beautiful than a Fresnel lens. This crystal cage of glass sparkles in the sun splitting the light into tiny rainbows of glorious iridescent color like a precious diamond, and at night it sends forth its magnificent spokes of light to warn the mariner. Yet, all of this beauty comes from a mundane source, ordinary beach sand, with a few other ingredients, a process that was itself a bit of magic  rought by the hand of ancient craftsmen. In this story we will attempt to give you some information about the glass, the men and the processes that were used to create, 'The Jewel in the Sand.'