Turquoise is a unique color that falls somewhere between green and blue on the color wheel. The exact hue of turquoise can vary from a greenish robin’s egg blue to a bluish mint green. So is turquoise considered a shade of green or blue? The answer is not so simple due to the complex nature of color theory and the subjective perception of color. In the following article, we will examine the origins of the turquoise color name, how it is defined scientifically based on wavelength and pigmentation, and the various factors that influence whether turquoise appears more green or blue.
Etymology of the Color Name Turquoise
The name “turquoise” can be traced back to the 13th century when the opaque gemstone was first imported to Europe via Turkey. The French word for Turkish is “Turquois” and eventually this became the name used to describe the striking blue-green color of the mineral rock. Other early names used to describe the turquoise gem include “Turkish stone” and “turches”.
So while the name turquoise itself refers to its Turkish origins, this doesn’t necessarily mean the color leans more towards green or blue. When examining artifacts and artwork containing early turquoise dyes and pigments, the hue varies considerably from a bluish to greenish teal.
Scientific Definitions of Turquoise
When looking at the scientific specifications of turquoise across various standards bodies and color models, we find inconsistent categorization of turquoise as either a green or blue:
RGB Values
In the RGB color model, turquoise is defined with an equal mixture of green and blue values:
| R | G | B |
| 64 | 224 | 208 |
HEX Code
The HEX code #40E0D0 converts to 64 red, 224 green, and 208 blue. Again, an even combination of blue and green values.
CMYK Values
Looking at the CMYK values used for printing turquoise, we see a higher composition of Cyan (blue) than Yellow (green):
| C | M | Y | K |
| 60% | 0% | 20% | 0% |
HSL Values
In the HSL model, turquoise is defined as:
| H | S | L |
| 174° | 72% | 56% |
The Hue falls closer towards blue-green than yellow-green on the color wheel.
Pantone Colors
There are several Pantone colors that could be considered shades of turquoise:
| Pantone 16-4546 TPX | True Blue Turquoise |
| Pantone 16-5610 TPG | Blue Turquoise |
| Pantone 14-4811 TCX | Aqua Green |
| Pantone 15-5217 TCX | Green Turquoise |
Pantone leans towards categorizing turquoise as more blue than green.
Natural Turquoise Gemstones
Natural turquoise gemstones contain trace amounts of metals and minerals that lend blue, green, or yellowish-brown shades. The primary chromophores that give turquoise its color include:
| Copper | Blue to greenish-blue |
| Iron | Yellowish green |
| Chromium | Green |
So in minerals, turquoise color results from a combination of mostly blue and green pigments.
Perception of Turquoise
Despite the ambiguous classification of turquoise across scientific disciplines, the way we perceive and describe colors largely depends on individual interpretation and context. Here are some factors that influence whether turquoise appears bluer or greener:
Individual Color Vision
Each person’s vision and perception of color is unique. Some people may have a bias where they see turquoise as more green, while others clearly see it as blue. Differences in color cones, optical conditions, and neural processing mean no two people see colors in exactly the same way.
Surrounding Colors
The hue of turquoise can shift towards green or blue depending on what other colors it is paired with. Surrounded by reds and oranges, turquoise appears more blue. Alongside yellows and greens, it looks greener. This optical effect results from simultaneous color contrast.
Lighting Conditions
Different lighting can alter how vibrant or muted turquoise looks. Under warm incandescent or candlelight, turquoise may seem darker and less saturated. Cool fluorescent or natural daylight enhances the blue tones.
Regional Dialects
In some languages and cultures, people refer to turquoise using words that translate to “green” while in others it is described with “blue” terminology. This likely influences whether they perceive the color as greenish or bluish.
Individual Associations
Personal experiences and associations evoked by turquoise also affect perception. Someone who grew up near greenish-blue tropical waters may forever view turquoise as green. Or blue may be the dominant association for those familiar with robin’s egg ceramics.
Conclusion
Based on its ambiguous color coordinates, equal balance of blue and green, and susceptibility to optical shifts, classifying turquoise as strictly blue or green proves difficult. The distinction ultimately depends on individual perception and interpretation more than technical definitions. Since turquoise occupies a unique place between blue and green, it may be best categorized as its own distinct color family. As an amalgamation of both, perhaps the fairest assessment is that turquoise is a shade of blue-green.
