While trying to make compounds with novel electronic properties, chemists from Oregon State University accidentally came across a whole new pigment of blue.  Why is this such a big deal?

The New York Times reports that blue pigments of the past have often been expensive (ultramarine blue was made from the gemstone lapis lazuli, ground up), poisonous (cobalt blue is a possible carcinogen and Prussian blue, another well-known pigment, can leach cyanide) or apt to fade (many of the organic ones fall apart when exposed to acid or heat).

The new pigment is durable and brilliantly blue.  Look for awesome new products to come in a rad new shade of blue soon.

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