A transparent component of an electronic device having a nano-crystalline layer is disclosed. The nano-crystalline layer may be formed as a series of layers separated by or interspersed with one or more other layers including a non-crystalline or amorphous material. The series of layers may also be interspersed with one or more anti-reflective layers configured to reduce optical reflections off the transparent component. The nano-crystalline layer may be formed by a deposition process or by an ion-implanting and annealing process to form crystals having a size of less than 10 nanometers. The protective coatings may be utilized on portions of an electronic device, such as a housing or a cover glass, to protect the electronic device from scratching and/or damage caused by impact.