YInMn Blue Stunned Oregon Chemists

In 2009, YInMn Blue, a vivid near-perfect blue color, was accidentally discovered in an Oregon State University lab by Indian American chemist Mas Subramanian and graduate student Andrew E. Smith. Smith had heated a mixture of yttrium, indium, and manganese oxides to about 1,200°C, expecting to study materials for electronics, but the result was an intense blue pigment. The color became notable for its vibrance, chemical stability, and unusually high near-infrared reflectance. Because it reflects heat while staying bright blue, the pigment drew attention for possible use in cool coatings and energy-saving materials.

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