AbstractA new compound, InBaZn₃GaO₇, with swedenborgite structure along with transition metal (TM) substituted variants have also been prepared. The structure contains layers of tetrahedral ions (Zn²⁺/Ga³⁺) connected by octahedrally coordinated In³⁺ ion forming the three‐dimensional structure with voids where the Ba²⁺ ions occupy. The TM substituted compounds form with new colors. The origin of the color was understood based on the ligand‐field transitions. The near IR reflectivity studies indicate that the Ni – substituted compounds exhibit good near – IR reflectivity behavior, making them possible candidates for ‘cool pigments’. The temperature dependent dielectric studies indicate that the InBaZn₃GaO₇ compound undergoes a phase transition at ~360 °C. The compounds are active towards second harmonic generation (SHG). Magnetic studies show the compounds, InBaZn₂CoFeO₇ and InBaZn₂CuFeO₇ to be anti‐ferromagnetic in nature. The copper containing compounds were found to be good catalysts, under visible light, for the oxidation of aromatic alkenes. The many properties observed in the swedenborgite structure‐based compounds suggests that the mineral structure offers a fertile ground to investigate newer compounds and properties.