Modern Day Alchemy?

The dream of converting lead into gold has been a constant through the ages. Sometimes it's because of it's perceived value, sometimes just for the color.

Painted, patinaed and plated metals are not optimal as these wear away and can sometimes leave a wearer a little green. But according to a NY Times article there is a Professor at the University of Rochester that has completed a feat of "optical alchemy" that can change the appearance of inexpensive aluminum to have the rich yellow hue of gold. His process uses lasers, that leave the metal smooth to the touch and cause it to reflect almost any color. That leaves a rainbow of possibilities, plus a new darker than dark black, which reportedly absorbs all light that is impinged on it.