Cobalt-doped spinel crystals are highly valued in scientific applications, particularly in laser and optical technologies. The cobalt ions within the spinel structure allow these crystals to absorb and manipulate light in specific wavelengths, making them useful as saturable absorbers in Q-switched lasers. This property is essential for producing short, intense pulses of light, which are used in medical applications like laser eye surgery, dermatology, and tattoo removal, as well as in industrial tasks requiring precise material processing, such as drilling and cutting.

This was a lot of scientific crystal scrap. The tops of the boules were chopped off because they are not suitable for laser manufacturing.