Ytterbium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Yb:YAG) is a highly efficient laser material widely used in industrial and medical laser systems. Known for its strong absorption bands in the near-infrared range, Yb:YAG is particularly effective for high-power applications. Its main advantage lies in its low quantum defect, which leads to minimal heating and high efficiency, making it ideal for high-power and continuous-wave laser operations. In industrial settings, Yb:YAG lasers are extensively used for cutting, welding, and drilling a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, and ceramics. Their precision and control make them invaluable in the automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing sectors, especially where high-quality and intricate work is required. In the medical field, Yb:YAG lasers are used for various surgical procedures, including in ophthalmology and dermatology, due to their precision and minimal thermal damage to surrounding tissues. Their reliability, efficiency, and versatility make Yb:YAG lasers a cornerstone in the development of modern laser technologies, driving innovations in both industrial manufacturing and medical procedures.

Yb:YAG is capable of exhibiting colors ranging from blue-green to green-blue. The batch in question featured a very pale, pastel mint color color. The resulting pastel mint gemstone cut from this material distinguishes it from untreated aquamarine through its higher refractive index, dispersion, and greater durability. The aesthetic appeal of this material is significantly boosted by cutting methods that produce many internal reflections, thereby enhancing the color's intensity.