Teal and turquoise are often used interchangeably, but they are actually distinct colors with some key differences. While they are closely related shades of blue-green, teal tends to be darker and greener, while turquoise is brighter and contains more blue. Understanding the nuances between these similar hues can help when trying to choose between them for design, fashion, or decorating purposes. In this article, we’ll take a close look at teal vs. turquoise and how to tell these colors apart.
Definitions of Teal and Turquoise
Teal is a medium blue-green color that takes its name from the common teal, a member of the duck family, whose eyes exhibit this hue. It sits between green and blue on the color wheel and has similarities to both. Specifically, teal gets its greenish cast from having more yellow in its base and its bluish tones from having a higher amount of blue mixed in.
Turquoise, on the other hand, is a slightly greener shade of the color cyan. It was originally named after the semiprecious stone turquoise, which has been mined for over 6,000 years and prized for its distinctive blue-green color. The name turquoise can refer to the gemstone but is also defined as a blue-green shade that lies between blue and green.
So while teal and turquoise occupy the same general territory on the color wheel, turquoise has more straightforward connections to blue and green as a mix of those primary colors. Teal is more ambiguous, with influences from both blue and green but also a strong dose of yellow.
Color Values
Looking at specific color values can help differentiate teal from turquoise. Here are some of the main RGB, CMYK, and hex code specifications:
| Color | RGB | CMYK | Hex |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teal | 0, 128, 128 | 100, 25, 25, 0 | #008080 |
| Turquoise | 64, 224, 208 | 71, 0, 7, 12 | #40D0D0 |
In the RGB color model, teal has lower values for red and green, creating a darker and less vivid color than turquoise. Teal’s CMYK values also have much higher cyan and yellow components. The hex codes illustrate the more blue-ish turquoise (#40D0D0) vs. the greener teal (#008080). Overall, these definitions show how turquoise is brighter and clearer, while teal is deeper and more muted.
How Lighting Affects Their Appearance
Perception of these similar colors can also shift based on lighting conditions. Natural light often brings out the green tones in both teal and turquoise. Under warm, incandescent lights, turquoise may take on a deeper, more teal-like appearance. Meanwhile, teal can look duller and darker in low light. Bright white light has a tendency to intensify the blue notes in turquoise more than the greener teal.
So turquoise generally maintains its more vibrant look in varied lighting, while teal varies more based on surroundings. This chameleonic quality is part of teal’s subtle intrigue. But it also means the distinction between the colors can get fuzzy in some settings. Checking color swatches in different light can prevent surprises.
Use in Design and Decor
In web design, teal and turquoise are both considered friendly, inviting colors. Teal brings a sense of stability and focus with its darker green-blue vibe. Turquoise pops more, creating an upbeat, creative feel. Both work well for highlighting important elements, though turquoise draws the eye more thanks to its cheerier boldness.
In fashion, teal and turquoise provide versatility in coordinating with other colors. Teal’s complexity allows it to complement neutrals like tan, white and grey. Turquoise has a beachy vibe that pairs wonderfully with navy, coral and even pink. People tend to look best in colors that harmonize with their skin undertone, so turquoise is likely to flatter warmer complexions while cooler ones suit teal.
For interior decor, teal makes a sophisticated statement when used in accents like throw pillows and wall art. It provides an earthy tranquility as a main wall color. The brightness of turquoise energizes kitchens, bathrooms and other spaces. It also combines well with teal in eclectic bohemian, traditional Southwestern, or tropical decor themes.
Examples of Teal vs. Turquoise
To get a better sense of how teal and turquoise differ, here are some examples of each from nature, décor, fashion, and graphic design:
Teal:
– Feathers of a male teal duck
– Glaucous-winged gull eye color
– Deeper ocean waters
– Matte teal dinnerware
– Dark teal leather sofa
– Women’s teal blouse
– Flat teal website background
Turquoise:
– Turquoise gemstone
– Tropical sea color
– Glossy turquoise vase
– Bright turquoise accent wall
– Women’s turquoise cocktail dress
– Vibrant turquoise website header
These examples illustrate teal’s darker and more subtle essence compared to the brighter pop of turquoise. While similar, they create distinctly different styles.
Psychology of Teal vs. Turquoise
The color psychology between teal and turquoise also diverges slightly, even though they stimulate similar moods overall. Both promote feelings of balance and calmness with their cool blue-green hues. Specifically:
– Teal represents wisdom, insight, stability, focus, intuition, truth, and contemplation. Its yellow touches also provide optimism. The maturity of teal encourages taking time for reflection.
– Turquoise evokes energy, serenity, whimsy, creativity, playfulness, and inventiveness. Its lush vibrancy symbolizes growth, health, and vitality. The brightness of turquoise stimulates productivity and clarity.
So teal has more gravitas and introspection, while turquoise is positively buoyant. Turquoise may be a better choice when trying to spread cheer and spark creativity. Teal works well for promoting stability and tranquility. Either can build trust and comfort when used strategically.
Teal vs. Turquoise Pattern in Nature
For a closer understanding of teal and turquoise hues, it helps to look to the natural world. Here are some patterns where these colors appear in the wild:
– Water – Ocean and sea colors range from teal deeper waters to turquoise tropical shallows. Greenish teal is also seen in some lakes and rivers.
– Plants – Leaves on certain flowering plants, like hydrangeas, exhibit teal shades. More blue-green turquoise appears in the coloration of algae and cyanobacteria.
– Gems – The gem turquoise is sky blue with matrix veins of teal and dark green. Other minerals like agate and chrysocolla also display teal banding.
– Animals – Feathers on birds like teals and blue-winged teals show off rich teal shades. Tropical fish and lizards are known for their vivid turquoise coloring.
– Skies – On overcast days, the sky can take on teal hues. Turquoise skies occur more often around dawn and sunset when the light scatters blue.
Nature contains a treasure trove of subtle gradations between teal and turquoise hues. Observing these patterns is a great way to develop a discerning eye.
Key Distinguishing Factors
To summarize the key differences:
– Turquoise is brighter, clearer, and more purely blue-green than the deeper, greener teal.
– Teal is considered a tertiary color with strong yellow tones, while turquoise is a secondary color combining blue and green.
– Turquoise maintains its vibrant look in various lighting conditions. Teal shifts more based on surroundings.
– Turquoise pops against other colors. Teal has more subtle coordinating versatility.
– Teal implies seriousness and wisdom. Turquoise feels more energetic and whimsical.
So pay attention to the amount of blue vs. green, lightness vs. darkness, and the desired psychological impressions when differentiating these nuanced shades.
Conclusion
Teal and turquoise occupy adjoining spaces on the color spectrum between blue and green. But small differences in their tone, intensity, lightness, and undertones create distinct aesthetic impressions. Teal skews darker and more muted as a tertiary blending blue, green and yellow. Turquoise is a brighter secondary that directly combines blue and green. Both offer beauty and versatility. But understanding their unique personalities allows for more thoughtful and meaningful applications in design, fashion, decorating, and beyond. When in doubt, look at color swatches in various lighting for the truest sense of how these colors compare.
