Quote"Oxford scientists have created a transparent form of aluminum by bombarding the metal with the world's most powerful soft X-ray laser. 'Transparent aluminum' previously only existed in science fiction, featuring in the movie Star Trek IV, but the real material is an exotic new state of matter with implications for planetary science and nuclear fusion."
http://www.physorg.com/news167925273.html
Not transparent to visible light but still...
What can I say. As a huge Star Trek fan - I am happy! One small step for aluminum - huge leap for mankind!
Very nice article. :)
Makes me curious if the transparant state can actually be used to bend the metal easier etc...