The colors turquoise and cyan are very similar shades of blue-green that often get confused with each other. Though they look alike, there are some key differences between turquoise and cyan that help set them apart. This article will examine the definitions, origins, color codes, and distinctions between these two popular shades. We’ll also look at examples of their use in design, fashion, and culture. Read on to finally solve the debate over turquoise vs cyan!
Definitions
Turquoise and cyan are both shades of blue-green, meaning they are colors made by combining blue and green pigments. However, they each have their own distinct identities.
Turquoise
The color turquoise is a slightly greenish tone of cyan. It is meant to resemble the semiprecious gemstone of the same name, which has been mined for centuries and ranges in hue from sky blue to greenish-blue.
Traditionally, turquoise pigment was made by grinding up the actual gemstone. Today, the color turquoise is reproduced using various color mixing techniques. On the RYB (red, yellow, blue) color wheel, turquoise is made by mixing blue and yellow. On the RGB (red, green, blue) color wheel, it is made by mixing green and blue light.
Cyan
Cyan is one of the secondary colors on the RYB color wheel, made by mixing green and blue. In printing and on computer screens, cyan is one of the three primary colors along with magenta and yellow. In the RGB color model, cyan is made by mixing just green and blue light, with no red.
Cyan is a pure, intense mid-range blue-green. It is meant to be similar to the color of a cyan gemstone or the pigment Prussian blue. Cyan has less yellow in it compared to the color turquoise.
Origins
Turquoise
The turquoise gemstone has been prized for thousands of years, found in ancient Egyptian tombs and Aztec artifacts. The word “turquoise” dates back to the 16th century and comes from the French for “Turkish stone” because it was first brought to Europe from Turkey.
As a distinct color name in English, “turquoise” has been used since the late 18th century. Before then, the color was sometimes referred to as “turquin” or “turky-stone color.”
Cyan
Cyan as a color name only came into popular English usage in the late 19th century. It was adapted from the word kyanos in Ancient Greek, which referred to a dark blue substance used in dyeing.
The first recorded use of cyan as a color term in English was in 1879. It was one of several newly coined names proposed for the seven newly discovered spectral colors, along with violet and magenta.
Color Codes
Turquoise and cyan can be precisely defined using various color coding systems like Pantone, CMYK, RGB, HEX, and HSL. Here are some of the main color codes for each shade:
Turquoise
| Color System | Turquoise Code |
|---|---|
| Pantone | 3245 C |
| CMYK | 67, 7, 33, 14 |
| RGB | 64, 224, 208 |
| HEX | #40E0D0 |
| HSL | 174°, 72%, 60% |
Cyan
| Color System | Cyan Code |
|---|---|
| Pantone | Process Cyan C |
| CMYK | 100, 0, 0, 0 |
| RGB | 0, 255, 255 |
| HEX | #00FFFF |
| HSL | 180°, 100%, 50% |
As you can see, cyan is a brighter, more saturated color than turquoise. Cyan has maximum values for green and blue light in RGB and lacks any yellow or black ink in CMYK. Turquoise has slightly lower blue-green values and contains some yellow and black.
Distinguishing Features
Though turquoise and cyan may look similar at first glance, some key characteristics set them apart.
Turquoise
– Slightly more greenish-blue than cyan
– Lower color saturation than cyan
– Contains touches of yellow and black pigment
– Meant to mimic a real gemstone’s color
– Associated with the Southwest, Native American art
Cyan
– Pure, intense blue-green
– No traces of other colors like red or yellow
– Higher color saturation than turquoise
– One of the printer’s primary colors
– Common in electronic displays as an additive primary color
Usage in Design and Fashion
Both turquoise and cyan are popular options for logos, websites, interiors, clothing, and more. But they convey slightly different moods.
Turquoise Usage
– Often used in bohemian, Native American, or Southwestern design
– Conveys natural, earthy, adventurous vibe
– Works well in mosaic art and with terra cotta
– Provides a calm, relaxing atmosphere
– Featured in jewelry, pottery, textiles
Cyan Usage
– Associated with futurism, technology, electric colors
– Gives a bold, vibrant, stimulating impression
– Common in minimalist graphic design
– Makes a striking accent color for modern interiors
– Seen in avant-garde fashion, sportswear, cosmetics
Examples and Comparisons
Looking at turquoise vs cyan in real objects, graphics, and designs helps illustrate the contrasts.
| Turquoise | Cyan |
|---|---|
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| Mineral specimens | Electric blue accent wall |
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| Turquoise jewelry | Cyan sports uniform |
As you can see, turquoise leans greener and slightly muted, evoking natural gemstones. Cyan is more purely blue-green, intense and electric.
Cultural Associations
In culture, turquoise and cyan take on some differing symbolic meanings.
Turquoise
– Spirituality, wisdom, good fortune in Native American culture
– Healing, calmness, protection in New Age beliefs
– The color of the stone meant December birthdays in Victorian flower language
– Featured heavily in artifacts of ancient Mesoamerican civilizations like the Aztecs
Cyan
– Often represents artificial intelligence, digital spaces in sci-fi
– Can signify cutting-edge technology and futurism
– Frequently used for medicine, healthcare, science imagery
– Sometimes gives a “cool blue” impression of logic and rationality
Conclusion
So in summary, while turquoise and cyan may appear similar, turquoise leans slightly greener, contains more yellow, and evokes natural gemstones. Cyan is a pure, intense blue-green bearing no trace of other hues.
When differentiating turquoise vs. cyan, remember:
– Turquoise has a lower saturation than cyan
– Turquoise mimics the real gemstone’s color
– Cyan is one of the printer’s primary colors
– Turquoise fits with bohemian styles, cyan with futurism
– Turquoise symbolizes spirituality, cyan symbolizes technology
The context of the color’s use can provide more clues about whether turquoise or cyan is the intended shade. But when in doubt, checking the exact color code can clear up the confusion. While the two colors are close cousins, each shade of blue-green has its own personality.