Crimson is a shade of red that leans slightly towards orange. When examining the color crimson, it falls closer to red than orange on the color spectrum. However, there are some key differences that set crimson apart from a true red.
The Origins of Crimson
The first recorded use of “crimson” as a color name in English was in 1513. It was adapted from the Old Spanish word “cremesín” which was derived from the Arabic term “qirmiz”. Qirmiz referred to the Kermes dye that was produced from a scale insect in the Mediterranean region and used to create crimson colored fabrics.
So from its earliest origins, crimson was defined as the rich red color produced by the Kermes dye. While crimson was closely associated with red, the hint of orange in the shade came from the nature of the dye itself.
Defining Crimson on the Color Wheel
On the traditional RYB (red, yellow, blue) color wheel used by artists and designers, crimson sits between red and orange:
| Red | Crimson | Orange |
Crimson pigments traditionally consisted of red ochre clay mixed with the orange-red Kermes coloring. This gave crimson paints and dyes their distinctive reddish-orange tone.
Crimson’s RGB Values
With modern color models like RGB (red, green, blue), we can precisely define crimson’s hue. The RGB values for standard crimson are:
| R: 220 | G: 20 | B: 60 |
This means crimson has a strong red value, a low green value, and a moderate blue value. The high amount of red versus blue is what positions crimson closer to red than purple on the color wheel.
But the addition of a noticeable blue value (higher than in orange) and the low green value gives crimson a slightly cooler, darker tone compared to pure orange. This subdues the orange aspects of crimson.
Comparisons to Red and Orange Hues
Here are how the RGB values of crimson compare to pure red and orange:
| Color | R value | G value | B value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crimson | 220 | 20 | 60 |
| Red | 255 | 0 | 0 |
| Orange | 255 | 165 | 0 |
This shows that crimson has a lower green value than orange, giving it less vibrancy and placing it closer to red. But crimson’s blue value and its slightly lowered red value means it still retains a subtle orange touch compared to pure red.
Crimson in Nature
The crimson shade appears in many flowers and fruits. Roses, hibiscus, currants, pomegranates and sumac berries all display the rich reddish crimson hue. This natural coloring comes from plant pigments called anthocyanins.
Interestingly, the way these pigments reflect light can cause the crimson tone to veer slightly more red or more orange. The pH level of the plant or flower impacts this, with acidic conditions yielding a redder crimson and neutral or alkaline conditions producing a more orangey crimson.
Crimson in Human Culture
As one of the strongest, boldest red shades, crimson has held special meaning in cultures around the world. In many Asian countries, crimson represents prosperity and good fortune. Chinese New Year celebrations often feature crimson as the color of luck and happiness for the year ahead.
In Western cultures, crimson has been associated with passion, vibrancy, royalty, and luxury. The depth of the color evokes intimacy, vitality, and splendor.
The reds and crimsons of autumn foliage also carry cultural symbolism. In literature and poetry, crimson leaves represent the bittersweet nature of aging and the cyclical turning of seasons.
Crimson Pigments and Dyes
While natural crimson dyes like Kermes have been replaced by synthetic options, crimson remains an important pigment for artists’ paints, textile dyeing, and cosmetics. Common modern crimson pigments include:
- Naphthol – an organic synthetic pigment popular in acrylic painting.
- Quinacridone – a synthetic organic pigment known for its weather resistance.
- Perylene – an organic synthetic pigment derived from petroleum.
These modern pigments allow painters, dyers, and cosmetics makers to choose the perfect crimson tone, from slightly more red to slightly more orange.
Crimson vs. Red in Design
In graphic design and web design, crimson can make a bold, eye-catching accent color. It has enough underlying orange tones to create energizing, vibrant contrasts when paired with blues and greens.
Pure red can be too overpowering as a large background color. But crimson’s slightly softer, more muted tone works well behind text and other elements. This makes crimson a versatile, functional red for design work.
Crimson Gems
Some gemstones display a beautifully saturated crimson color. The most precious and sought-after is the ruby. Rubies range from pink-red to a rich crimson, depending on the mineral traces present. The most prized hue is known as “pigeon’s blood” – an intense crimson with just a dash of blue.
Garnets also occur in a number of crimson varieties. Almandine garnets have a deep red color tending towards crimson. Pyrope garnets take on a more oranges carnet that still qualifies as crimson.
Crimson in Fashion
Crimson draws attention, so fashion designers use it strategically as an accent color. Crimson shoes, belts, or bags can inject oomph into an outfit. Jewelry like crimson rubies or garnets also provides a bold fashion statement.
Full crimson outfits come across as daring and sexy. Valentino created a signature crimson dress that celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Cate Blanchett have famously worn on the red carpet. This look epitomizes the drama and allure of crimson.
Conclusion
While crimson clearly falls on the red end of the color spectrum, its hints of orange derived from natural dyes and its lower green and blue values give it a reddish-orange personality. Crimson has just enough yellow undertones to distinguish it from pure red and inch it closer to the orange family – while still maintaining its identity as ashade of red.
So in summary, crimson is a red that leans slightly toward orange. Its mixing of warm and cool tones from red, orange, and blue make it endlessly versatile for designers, artists, and fashionistas seeking a bold, beautiful color. Ultimately, crimson blends the passion of red with the vibrancy and warmth of orange for a universally celebrated hue.