Salmon is a distinctive pale pink-orange color that is often associated with the flesh of the salmon fish. However, there is some debate over whether salmon is closer to a pink or an orange shade. In this article, we’ll examine the origins of the color salmon, look at its place on the color wheel, analyze its RGB and Hex values, and see how different organizations classify it.
What is the origin of the color salmon?
The name “salmon” originates from the pink-orange hue of the salmon fish. Salmon fish gain their color from eating krill and other prey that contain carotenoid pigments. These pigments are metabolized and deposited in the muscle tissues of the fish, giving it its distinctive color.
The first recorded use of “salmon” as a color name in English was in 1776. Before this, other phrases like “salmon-colored” were used to describe the pale orange shade. Once the name became popularized, it was applied to other items beyond just the fish.
Where does salmon fall on the color wheel?
On the traditional RYB (red, yellow, blue) color wheel, salmon is located between red and orange:
| Red | Salmon | Orange |
It sits closer to red than orange, leaning slightly pink. On a modern RGB (red, green, blue) color wheel, salmon is between red and orange-yellow:
| Red | Salmon | Orange-Yellow |
Once again, salmon is slightly closer to red than orange on this color wheel. This reflects its pinkish-orange nature.
What are the RGB values for salmon?
In the RGB color model, colors are made by mixing different levels of the red, green, and blue light. Salmon has the following RGB values:
– R (Red): 250
– G (Green): 128
– B (Blue): 114
Having a high red value gives salmon its predominantly red-pink look. The low blue value allows it to shift towards orange. The small amount of green warms up the color.
When shown in RGB hexadecimal format, the values translate to #FA8072. This hex code is useful for web design and computer graphics applications.
What are some other ways to represent salmon color?
Besides RGB, there are some other color models that can represent salmon:
– CMYK: 0, 46, 54, 2
– HSL: 17°, 71%, 78%
– HSV: 17°, 59%, 98%
– Pantone: Salmon C
These values allow salmon to be recreated consistently across different programs and formats. The CMYK model is used for print design, while HSL and HSV models are alternative to RGB.
How do color organizations classify salmon?
Color organizations aim to systematically categorize colors, making salmon’s classification complex.
| Organization | Classification |
|---|---|
| Pantone | Red-Orange |
| Crayola | Orange |
| X11 | Pink |
| ISCC-NBS | Red-Orange |
Pantone, known for color matching, places salmon under Red-Orange. Crayola, famous for crayons, groups it with other oranges. The digital X11 colors list it as a pink. The ISCC-NBS system also sees it as a shade of red-orange.
So while most systems acknowledge salmon’s orange notes, there is some divide on whether it is fundamentally a pink or an orange.
What are some examples of salmon color?
Salmon color is found in nature and culture:
– Salmon flesh: The namesake salmon fish has pink-orange flesh.
– Sunrises/sunsets: When sunlight scatters at an angle through the atmosphere, it can create salmon-colored skies.
– Flowers: Some rose petals, lilies, gerbera daisies, and rhododendrons display salmon shades.
– Gemstones: Coral, carnelian, and orange sapphire can all exhibit salmon hues.
– Paints: Many brands offer “salmon” as a paint color option for walls. Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, and Behr all carry shades named simply “Salmon”.
– Lipsticks and nail polishes: Cosmetic companies like MAC, Chanel, and OPI sell lipstick and nail polish in popular salmon shades.
So in summary, while salmon toes the line between pink and orange, it falls slightly towards the pink end of the red-orange spectrum. Its many representations in nature and culture demonstrate the appeal and ubiquity of this beautiful color.
Conclusion
Salmon color occupies a distinctive place between pink and orange on the color wheel. With strong red notes and subtle yellow tones, it resonates with the flesh of the salmon fish from which it gets its name. Despite some disagreement over whether to classify it as a pink or orange, most color systems acknowledge salmon’s status as a reddish-orange. Its unique pale pink-orange hue gives it widespread appeal and use across many applications. So while salmon may defy easy categorization, its blend of passion and vibrancy gives it an unmistakable identity.
