This invention deal with a flaky effect pigment comprising as optical active layer a single platelet consisting of a semiconductor material with a band gap in a range of 0.1 to 2.5 eV and having an average atomic composition of: a) Si.sub.(1-x)Ge.sub.x, wherein 0<x<1.00 or b) Si.sub.(1-y)Sn.sub.y, wherein 0<y<0.90 or c) Ge.sub.(1-z)Sn.sub.2, wherein 0<z0.60 or d) Si.sub.(1-m-n)Ge.sub.mSn.sub.n, wherein 0<m<1.00, 0<n<1.00 with the provisos that x<1.00; y<1.00, z<1.00 and m+n<1.00. These effect pigments exhibit attractive optical properties and are radartransparent.

An article including at least one first metallic layer, at least one dielectric layer; and at least one second metallic layer is disclosed. The at least one dielectric layer can include at least one of (i) a photo-initiator, (ii) an oxygen inhibition mitigation composition, (iii) a leveling agent, and (iv) a defoamer.

A pigment, including a flake including a metal core having a first surface and a second surface, a first dielectric layer interfacing with a first surface of the metal core, and a second dielectric layer interfacing with a second surface of the metal core; a first inorganic layer encapsulating the flake; and an organic layer encapsulating the first organic layer is disclosed. A colorant composition including the pigment is also disclosed. A method of making the pigment, and a method of making a colorant composition are also disclosed.