Burnt orange and rust are two similar shades of reddish-orange that are sometimes used interchangeably. However, there are some key differences between the two colors that set them apart. In this article, we will examine the definitions of burnt orange and rust, look at their RGB values, CMYK formulas, and hexadecimal codes. We will also compare visual examples of the two shades and summarize the main differences. Read on to find out if burnt orange and rust are really the same color.
Definitions
Burnt orange is a dark orange color that resembles the color of flames or embers. It has a brownish tint and is quite close to the color of a baked clay pot. The first recorded use of “burnt orange” as a color name in English was in 1915.
Rust is a reddish-brown color that resembles iron oxide, which forms when iron or steel is exposed to oxygen and moisture. Rust can range from a bright orange to a deeper brown-red. The first recorded use of “rust” as a color name in English was in 1590.
So in summary, burnt orange is a darker, more brownish orange while rust covers a range of orange-red-browns with iron oxide as its inspiration.
RGB Values
Colors can be defined numerically by their RGB (red, green, blue) values. This is a commonly used method in digital displays.
The RGB values for burnt orange are:
| Red | Green | Blue |
|---|---|---|
| 153 | 85 | 34 |
The RGB values for rust are:
| Red | Green | Blue |
|---|---|---|
| 183 | 65 | 14 |
Comparing the RGB values, burnt orange has higher green and blue values, making it slightly less saturated and darker than rust. Rust has higher red values and very low blue, giving it a more vivid orange-red appearance.
CMYK Formulas
The CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) color model is used for print production. Here are the CMYK formulas for burnt orange and rust:
| Cyan | Magenta | Yellow | Black |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 65 | 100 | 40 |
Burnt orange CMYK values
| Cyan | Magenta | Yellow | Black |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 70 | 100 | 28 |
Rust CMYK values
The two colors have very similar CMYK values, though burnt orange has slightly lower amounts of magenta and black ink. This makes burnt orange lighter and less saturated compared to rust.
Hexadecimal Codes
Hexadecimal color codes are six-digit codes that represent the RGB values of a color. The hexadecimal code for burnt orange is #99552A. For rust, it is #B7410E.
Again, this highlights burnt orange having higher green and blue values compared to rust. The rust hexadecimal code has much higher red levels and minimal blue.
Visual Comparison
Looking at visual swatches makes the subtle differences between burnt orange and rust more apparent:
| Burnt Orange | Rust |
|---|---|
Burnt orange is a duller, darker shade of orange with a subtle brown tone. Rust is more vivid and saturated, appearing lighter and more red-orange.
Key Differences
In summary, the main differences between burnt orange and rust are:
| Burnt Orange | Rust |
|---|---|
| – Darker, subtler orange | – Brighter, more vivid orange-red |
| – Lower saturation | – Higher saturation |
| – More brown undertones | – More red undertones |
| – Lower RGB green and blue values | – Higher RGB red values |
| – Slightly less magenta and black ink in CMYK | – Slightly more magenta and black ink in CMYK |
Uses
Due to its darker, subtler appearance, burnt orange can be easily incorporated as an accent color in both warm and cool color schemes. It works well with navy blue, forest green, beige, and neutral grays. Burnt orange adds a touch of earthiness and sophistication without being too bold or bright.
Rust’s vividness makes it stand out more. It is commonly associated with fall and conveys a sense of warmth. Rust pairs nicely with other autumnal colors like olive green, maroon, yellow, and brown. It is popular for evoking nostalgia and creating a rustic, vintage look.
In fashion, burnt orange is a versatile neutral that flatters many skin tones. Rust can be harder to wear but provides a striking pop of color for those with warm complexions. Both shades complement blue denim nicely.
For interior design, burnt orange can lend a refined, welcoming look in moderation. Too much risks looking dated. Rust makes a bold, energetic accent wall or focal point. Together, they create an earthy, Southwest vibe.
Conclusion
In the end, burnt orange and rust are distinct shades within the orange color family. Burnt orange is darker and browner, with more subtle oxidation. Rust has a vivid orange-red appearance inspired directly by iron oxide. Their similar names sometimes cause confusion, but side-by-side it becomes clear burnt orange and rust are not interchangeable. When precision is important, opt for burnt orange if you want a muted earth tone, or rust if you desire a punchy, rustic color.
