Corvallis, Ore. -- Oregon State University scientists say they've solved a quest that has gone on for thousand of years -- they've created a near-perfect, safe blue pigment.
The researchers said the ancient Egyptians, the Han dynasty in China, Mayan cultures and other people around the world have, for thousands of years, sought inorganic compounds that can be used to paint things blue. But most of what was discovered had environmental or durability drawbacks.
Now Oregon State University chemists, led by Professor Mas Subramanian, say they've discovered new compounds based on manganese that should address all such concerns.
