This article discusses a new development in pigment chemistry led by Mas Subramanian at Oregon State University. The research team developed a new kind of reddish magenta pigment inspired by lunar mineralogy and ancient Egyptian techniques. These pigments use divalent chromium as a chromophore, a first for such materials, offering promising applications like energy-efficient coatings. These inorganic pigments are durable, maintain their color under UV light, and reflect heat, enhancing energy efficiency for coated objects. For more details, you can read the full article on Phys.org: