Orange is a colour that is the result of mixing red and yellow pigments together. It sits between red and yellow on the visible spectrum. The debate around whether orange can be considered a distinct colour stems from the fact that it falls somewhere between red and yellow, rather than occupying its own distinct wavelength of light. However, most people consider orange to be a colour in its own right. Here is a quick look at some of the key factors in determining whether orange is a real colour or not.
The visible spectrum
The visible spectrum is the range of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation that human eyes can detect. It ranges from violet at the short wavelength end, through blue, green, yellow, orange, and red at the long wavelength end. Orange light has a wavelength between red and yellow light. It does not occupy its own distinct band in the spectrum like the other major colours. This is why orange is sometimes not considered a distinct colour by those who define colour strictly by wavelength.
Mixing of pigments
When it comes to pigments and dyes, orange is produced by mixing red and yellow together. Pigments absorb certain wavelengths of light and reflect others, which is what gives them their colour. Neither pure red pigments nor pure yellow pigments alone can produce the exact hue we know as orange. This mixing is required. Some argue this makes orange a secondary colour rather than a primary colour with its own distinct hue.
Human colour perception
While orange may not have its own wavelength band in the spectrum, the human eye and brain are able to distinctly perceive it as its own unique colour. The cells in the retina detect red, green, and blue light which the brain then combines to create all the colours we see. The specific mixture of red and yellow light that produces orange stimulates the eye and brain in a way that is perceptually distinct from pure red or pure yellow. Most people would not confuse orange with either of those colours. This is a key piece of evidence that orange should be considered a distinct colour.
Uses and symbolism
Culturally and historically orange has very much been treated as its own distinct colour. It has established symbolism and meanings associated with it. Here are some examples:
| Use/Symbolism | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Traffic cones | Warning, caution |
| Orange fruit | Health, vitality |
| Prison uniforms | Criminality |
| Hinduism | Sacrifice, renunciation |
| Buddhism | Wisdom, virtue |
This established cultural status supports the idea that orange exists as its own distinct colour rather than just being a mix of red and yellow.
Scientific definitions
While some older scientific models defined colour strictly by wavelength, modern color science recognizes orange as its own color with a defined hue between red and yellow. The HSV (hue, saturation, value) and HSL (hue, saturation, lightness) models both include orange as one of the major hues around the color wheel. These models were developed to align with human color perception. So from a modern scientific perspective, orange can be defined as having its own distinct hue.
Color wheel placement
On the standard color wheel used by visual artists, orange occupies a distinct wedge between red and yellow. If it were merely a variant of red or yellow it would not warrant its own slice of the color wheel. But it has established itself as a color in its own right with its own hue, warranting its permanent placement on the wheel between red and yellow.
Distinct pigments
While mixing red and yellow pigments can produce orange, there are also distinct orange pigments. Pigments like cadmium orange have their own chemical composition distinct from red and yellow pigments. This provides a material basis for orange as its own color rather than merely a mix of existing colors.
Rainbow order
In the visible spectrum sequence of the rainbow, orange occupies the space between red and yellow. This sequential placing gives it a definable location on the spectrum between these other major colors. If it did not have its own hue it would not warrant this placement within the rainbow sequence.
Light wavelength
While orange light does not have its own narrow band of wavelengths, its broad range of wavelengths from around 585 nm to 620 nm (between red and yellow bands) is still measurable. So orange light can be defined scientifically by this range of wavelengths, giving it an objective identity even if it is a broader band of the spectrum.
Computer color models
In computer programming and digital imaging, orange is defined in major color models like RGB and CMYK as its own distinct color with particular codes and mixtures of base colors. It is not treated as a variant of red or yellow within these models that define colors numerically. This gives it a concrete identity in digital contexts.
Distinct name
Orange has its own name as a color term in English and many other languages. While some languages developed words for it later than basic color terms like red and yellow, it is now ubiquitous. Having its own clear name and label supports orange being viewed as its own distinct color.
Unique aesthetics
The color orange has unique aesthetic properties. Designers view it as warm, energetic, friendly, and attention-grabbing. It evokes stronger reactions than yellow or red due to its vibrancy. This shows it has its own identity and visual impact rather than being merely derivative of other colors.
Orange-specific meanings
As mentioned earlier, orange has developed many symbolic meanings that are specifically associated with it rather than with red or yellow. For example, orange conveys warnings in traffic signage. Orange prison uniforms symbolize criminality. Orange’s strong identity supports it having these meanings that are not shared with similar colors.
Distinct pigments
Natural and synthetic orange pigments also provide material evidence for it having its own distinct identity. Compounds that produce orange color include cadmium orange, annatto, and carotene. These have their own chemical compositions that produce the orange hue rather than merely mixing existing red and yellow pigments together.
Color psychology
Research into the psychological effects of color treats orange as eliciting its own set of responses. It is considered more energetic and vibrant than yellow or red due to its brightness. It is also associated with fun, enthusiasm, success, and encouragement. These psychological associations support orange having its own identity as a color rather than being a derivative of others.
Clothing dye
In the dyeing of clothing, orange is achieved by coloring processes specifically tailored to produce the orange hue rather than just mixing red and yellow dyes. Dye manufacturers formulate dyes that selectively reflect the wavelengths of light that give orange its distinctive appearance as a color. This demonstrates it has its own independent material existence.
Interior design schemes
Orange is used extensively in interior design. It can be incorporated as an accent color or even as the main color theme of a room. Entire colour palettes are built around the vibrancy and warm energetic aura of orange. This wide use in interior design relies on it having its own independent identity as a color, not merely being a shade of red or yellow.
Distinct food colorant
The food industry uses coloring agents specifically formulated to produce orange hues in food products. Compounds like annatto extract and beta-carotene are added to foods to dye them orange. The existence of these distinct orange food colorants supports it having its own color identity rather than deriving it from other colors.
Conclusion
In summary, while orange occupies a transitional zone between red and yellow rather than having its own distinct wavelength of light, this does not preclude it from being considered an independent color. Its status as a color in its own right is supported by an interrelated web of material, perceptual, cultural, and symbolic evidence. Orange has a rightful place alongside other major colors rather than being considered a variant of red or yellow. Its unique hue gives it an identity that justifies recognizing orange as its very own color.
