What quality of flint glass makes it suitable for optical lens production?

Flint glass is particularly suitable for optical lens production because of its high refractive index. The high refractive index allows the glass to bend and refract light more effectively, which is crucial in creating lenses that enhance the focus and clarity of images. This property is essential for various optical applications, including cameras, microscopes, and corrective eyewear.

Moreover, the high refractive index enables the design of thinner and lighter lenses compared to other types of glass with lower refractive indices, thereby improving the overall user experience. This quality makes flint glass a preferred choice in the optics industry, ensuring that lenses produced can achieve the desired magnification and clarity without adding unnecessary bulk. Other options such as low cost, high transparency, and flexibility do not provide the specific optical properties that are most beneficial for lens production.