New color discovered by accident

Move over navy and sky blue… a new blue has been discovered, by accident. 

Oregon State University chemist Mas Subramanian and his team discovered YInMn blue - named after the elements Yttrium, Indium and Manganese, while experimenting with materials for electronics applications, OSU reports in a press release.

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The pigment forms in such a way that red and green wavelengths are absorbed, and light reflects back only blue. 

It's super-durable and stable and does not fade. Also, because of this unique structure, it can be used on buildings and roofs to keep them cool by reflecting infrared light.

None of the pigment ingredients are toxic.

"The more we discover about the pigment, the more interesting it gets," said Subramanian in the press release. "We already knew it had advantages of being more durable, safe and fairly easy to produce. Now it also appears to be a new candidate for energy efficiency."