Ultramarine

Value comes from a commodity’s use & how hard it is to get/make. Until synthetic created in 1826, the finest blue was powdered Afghan lapis lazuli, costlier than gold.  YInMn (YIN-min) is the 1st new blue pigment in 200 years.  Safe, durable, heat-reflecting, enviro-friendly. Will be very valuable: blue is USA’s favourite colour & central to brand images of many firms & baseball teams. Latin ultramarinus = beyond the sea

Guessed the Word?                  Series 28 (2/8)                [pic: wikipedia]