Photo: www.rcc.int
Seven years ago, scientists at Oregon State University (OSU) unintentionally discovered a new color birthed in their lab during work — a shade of blue called the YInMn blue. It’s “a very beautiful blue,” Mas Subramanian of the OSU Department of Chemistry reportedly describes. He said that their work had nothing to do with discovering a new pigment though, and it was all accidental.
But we have these scientists to thank because paint manufacturers are now finally selling samples of the YInMn blue! And what makes this new pigment so special is that not only is it uber pretty, it is also a highly reflective color. It is stable even when exposed to heat or acidity. If used as a paint, for example, it can help keep buildings cool as it reflects infrared light! How amazing is that??
Here is a photo of the YInMn blue, from Oregon State University:
Photo: oregonstate.edu
The color has since been growing in popularity, especially for artists.
