Systemic coloration of steel? 1

[Greenleader]

Someone on another forum, posted a question; what kind of trace elements can be added to crucible steel, to induce color without noticeable effect on the chemistry?

I’ve yet to see systemic coloration of steel. Is it possible? Thanks, Gerald

 

[mcguire]

The basic color can't be changed because of the nature of the metallic bond, i.e. many levels of electron energy in the bonding electrons. The only way to give the appearance of color is to oxidize the surface to produce interference colors, as with oil on water.