Mint is a cool, refreshing color that is often described as a mix between green and blue. But is this accurate from a color theory perspective? In this article, we’ll examine the technical details of the mint color to determine if it really is a blend of green and blue or if there’s more to the story.
The Technical Details of Mint
In the technical world of color, mint is considered a tone of the color green. Specifically, it’s a pale, desaturated, cool green. Here’s a closer look at what each of those terms means:
Pale – Mint has a low saturation or intensity of color. It lacks vibrancy.
Desaturated – There is very little pure color in mint and more grey or white mixed in, which mutes the vibrancy.
Cool – Mint leans towards the blue/green side of the color spectrum rather than yellow/green. Cool greens have a tranquil, relaxing effect.
So while mint contains blue undertones, it is not actually a mix of blue and green pigments. The hint of blue simply makes it cooler than yellow-tinged greens.
Mint vs. Green and Blue
To better understand mint, let’s compare it side-by-side with pure green and blue:
Green – Greens are secondary colors made by mixing the primary colors blue and yellow. On the color wheel, green sits between yellow and blue. Greens contain a balance of warm yellow tones and cool blue tones.
Blue – Blues are primary colors and contain no hints of other colors. Blue is cooling, tranquil, and associated with water, sky, and ice.
Mint – Compared to green, mint has much less vibrancy and intensity. It is significantly desaturated, making it feel almost monochromatic. The cool blue undertones are more prominent in mint than in standard greens.
Visually, mint appears much closer to a pale green than a true mix of green and blue. While it contains some blue tones, blue is not a key ingredient in creating the mint color.
Creating the Mint Color
If mint isn’t made by literally mixing green and blue, how do color experts produce that cool, pale green shade? Here are a few ways to make mint:
Tinting Green – Add a lot of white to a green base to desaturate it into a pale pastel mint.
Toning Green – Add a small amount of blue and/or grey to a muted green. This neutralizes any warm, yellow tones.
Tinting Cyan – Take the cool blue-green secondary cyan color and add white to lighten it towards mint.
Tinting Turquoise – Turquoise already contains hints of green and blue. Lightening it results in a minty hue.
While blue pigment can be used to create mint, the amount is quite small compared to the green or cyan bases used. Mint is not an even blend of blue and green paint.
Mint Color Palettes
Now let’s look at some pleasing color combinations featuring mint:
| Mint + Tan + White | Earthy, neutral |
| Mint + Lavender + Blush | Soft, springtime |
| Mint + Coral + Gold | Fresh and lively |
| Mint + Sage Green + Brown | Organic |
Mint pairs beautifully with other pastels like lavender and peach. It also works nicely with warm neutrals like tan, brown, and gold. Sage green and coral complement mint’s coolness with some warmth.
Uses of Mint Color
Now that we understand the technical makeup of mint, let’s examine some of its popular uses:
Nature – Mint naturally occurs in plants like peppermint and spearmint. It evokes feelings of refreshment and relaxation.
Food/Candy – Mint flavoring and mint-colored candies create a cooling sensation. It contrasts nicely with pink and chocolate.
Bath & Body – With its association with freshness, mint is ubiquitous in soaps, shampoos, toothpastes.
Fashion – Light, springtime mint works well for women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories.
Cosmetics – Mint nails and mint lipstick are a chic alternative to mainstream pinks.
Decor – Painting rooms or pieces of furniture mint livens up a space in a subtle way.
Weddings – For brides wanting something more unique than pure white, mint weddings are stylish and elegant.
Marketing – Brands like Starbucks have embraced mint green for its clean, refreshing connotations.
Mint vs. Teal
Another blue-green color people sometimes confuse with mint is teal. Let’s clarify the difference:
Mint
– Very pale, low saturation
– Only a hint of blue, more cool green
– Associated with freshness and relaxation
Teal
– Much more saturated color
– True mix of green and blue
– Energetic, tropical vibe
While both mint and teal are cool, blue-tinged greens, teal is much deeper and brighter. Teal conjures images of tropical waters, while mint is soft and subtle.
Conclusion
So in summary, is mint a mix of green and blue? While mint does contain subtle blue undertones that give it a cool personality, it is not an even blend of the two colors. Rather, it is predominately a pale, desaturated green. The hint of blue simply neutralizes any warm, yellow tones in mint.
Understanding the technical details and relationships between colors helps us properly categorize them. Mint is undoubtedly a green, albeit a very cool-toned one. This also allows us to effectively use mint for designs and palettes that call for a relaxing, tranquil color.
So next time you’re sipping mint tea or unwrapping a mint chocolate candy, appreciate mint for the cool green it is, with just a whisper of blue.