Sure, but can they invent Transparent Aluminum?
We already did it. (You can be sure they will steal it however! )
http://www.surmet.com/technology/alon-optical-ceramics/
ALON® is an amazing advanced transparent ceramic material with composition of Aluminum Oxynitride. It is extremely hard and durable, and is transparent in the near UV, visible and mid-IR wavelength regions.
ALON is the hardest polycrystalline transparent ceramic material there is, and has been shown to stop multiple 50 caliber armor piercing (AP) rounds. Multiple ballistic performance test results have shown ALON to be the Best Transparent Armor Material that is available commercially today. In addition to high hardness and strength, ALON possesses good chemical resistance and high temperature resistance.
Surmet has established manufacturing processes and technologies for producing high quality ALON powder and through green body formation, densification and optical fabrication.
Surmet manufactures and supplies high quality ALON® components to military and industrial customers in sizes as large as 18x35-in and in large quantities. Surmet also supplies ALON domes and windows for infrared optics applications including IR guided missiles, sensor and reconnaissance pods for both ground vehicles and helicopters/aircraft. Learn More.
(Pictures of granite impacting on ALON and shattering at site.