Abstract: Increased yield of optical elements from cubic crystal rods, such as made of calcium fluoride, is made possible by orienting the optical elements for supporting the propagation of light along one of the <1 1 {overscore (2)}>, <1 2 1>, or <{overscore (2)} 1 1> alternative crystal axis, which extend perpendicular to a main <1 1 1> crystal axis. A cleave is taken through the crystal rod along a primary crystal plane {1 1 1} normal to the <1 1 1> main axis. One of the <1 1 {overscore (2)}>, <1 {overscore (2)} 1>, or <{overscore (2)} 1 1> alternative crystal axes is located by optical inspection and indicated on the crystal rod with an orientation label. Additional cuts are taken parallel to the {1 1 1} primary crystal plane to divide the crystal rod into disks each containing a portion of the orientation label.