Chemical solution depostion of nanocrystalline Zn2SiO4:Mn on the biogenic silica frustule derived from the cultured marine diatom (Pinnularia sp.) is reported. Our deposition process uses rather simple chemistry that consists of only metal halides and water. Two types of nanostructures can be generated, depending upon the level of the initial chemical deposition coverage. The nanostructured Zn2SiO4:Mn exhibited bright green photoluminescence. The intricate micro and nanostructures of the frustule were preserved after the chemical solution deposition and postannealing processes. (c) 2007 The Electrochemical Society.