Due to its unique properties, the YInMn blue color is appreciated by many manufacturers and illustrators and costs around 179 USD for 36 g.
Blue YInMn. (Photo: University of Oregon).
Researchers at the University of Oregon, USA, are the ones who discovered YInMn blue in 2009. This is the first new blue color created and identified in 200 years. The team, led by chemist Mas Subramanian, discovered the blue color while developing materials for electrical devices. New color detection often requires many years to be put into use in the market. After 11 years, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has officially licensed the use of blue YInMn.
According to Smithsonian Magazine, the new colors have a much higher contrast and are much more vibrant than cobalt blue (Prussian blue) . In September 2017, YInMn was licensed for use as industrial coatings and plastics. However, bringing products to market for use by producers and artists requires a more rigorous and meticulous censorship process.
Mark Ryan, chief marketing officer of Shepherd Color, notes that this color attracts many industrial companies because it reflects the most radiation. When used in a building, this color can reflect most of the radiation and keep the building surface cool. Industrial companies love YInMn blue because this pigment can help them comply with environmental regulations.
The name of YInMn comes from the chemical components yttrium, indium, and manganese oxide. In essence, YInMn absorbs red and green wavelengths. On the other hand, it reflects blue wavelengths. The discovery of YInMn is revolutionary because it is a stable compound that is both rare and expensive. Due to its use value and uniqueness, the current price of YInMn is very high. A retailer in Maine sells this blue for 9.4 per 36g tube, about 6 times more expensive than the base acrylic paint color.