A process of forming an identification marking within article formed from an at least partially optically transparent material for identification and validation, said process including the steps of (i) forming an indicia with an at least partially optically transparent material by way of subsurface laser engraving (SSLE); and (ii) forming a plurality of defects within or adjacent indicia within said at least partially optically transparent material resultant of the step of forming the indicia and from localized heating and irregularities in said at least partially optically transparent material, wherein said plurality of defects forms said identification marking.