Turquoise and blue are two popular colors that share some similarities but also have distinct differences. Both turquoise and blue are cool colors on the color spectrum, meaning they have tranquil, calming qualities. However, turquoise tends to be considered darker and richer than basic blue.
The Technical Definitions
To understand if turquoise is darker than blue, we first need to define these colors in technical terms:
- Turquoise is a greenish-blue color, formed by a combination of green and blue on the color wheel. It sits between green and cyan on the visible spectrum.
- Blue is one of the three primary colors, specifically the one corresponding to light in the 450–495 nm wavelength range. Pure blue is defined as the color between green and violet on the optical spectrum.
So while blue is a primary color all its own, turquoise is a secondary color made by combining blue with green pigments. This combination darkens the vibrancy of basic blue.
Examining Color Values
We can also examine the technical color values of blue versus turquoise to compare darkness:
| Color | RGB Values | Hex Values |
|---|---|---|
| Blue | 0, 0, 255 | #0000FF |
| Turquoise | 0, 255, 239 | #00FFEF |
The RGB color values show that basic blue contains no green or red mixed in, while turquoise contains a significant amount of green mixed with blue. This green tint naturally darkens the turquoise compared to pure blue.
Similarly, the hex color values show turquoise having less intensity of blue than basic blue, coming through as a darker blue-green shade.
Color Wheel Placement
If we look at the placement of blue versus turquoise on a standard color wheel, we can also see the difference in darkness:
| Blue sits closer to white and light purples on the color wheel, indicating its lighter, brighter nature. | Turquoise sites between blue and green, shaded by the green tones that darken it from pure blue. |
Based on color wheel position, turquoise clearly occupies a darker zone than blue.
Uses and Associations
Finally, the common uses and associations of blue versus turquoise provide additional insight into their relative darkness:
| Blue is strongly associated with the bright tones of sky and water. It evokes openness, calm, and freshness. | Turquoise has an earthier, richer feel associated with gems and minerals. It evokes relaxation and sophistication. |
Turquoise’s mineral qualities give it a deeper, moodier feel than airy, light blue. This supports the turquoise color being darker in overall tone.
Conclusion
Based on technical color definitions and values, placement on the color wheel, and general color associations, turquoise does appear darker than basic blue. The green tones mixed into turquoise deepen the color from pure blue’s brightness and lightness. Turquoise occupies a moodier, richer space than blue’s airy calm.
However, shades and tints of any color can vary darkness through saturation and mixing. So a very deep navy blue could be darker than a pale turquoise. But in general terms, turquoise reads as a darker, more saturated color than blue due to its earthy green tones.
Through examining the technical qualities and typical impressions of these two colors, we can confirm that turquoise is most often perceived as darker than blue on the color spectrum.