Science teacher Mas Subramanian and
his team at Oregon State University
accidentally discovered a new shade of
blue while creating new electronics
materials. YInMn blue, named after
yttrium, indium, and manganese, has a
unique, crystal structure that keeps it
from fading and is a new candidate for
energy efficiency because it can also
reflect infrared light.
Madeline Corbin, an intern in Subramanian’s lab, uses YInMn Blue in her artwork, ‘
OSU Memorial Union Façade.’ Photo via: Oregon State University.
Existing blue pigments include ultramarine, which is made from ground lapis lazuli, as well as toxic alternatives like cobalt and Prussian blue, making OSU’s discovery a major breakthrough.
