Turquoise is often described as a blue-green or greenish-blue color. It occupies a place on the color wheel somewhere between the cooler blue tones and the warmer green tones. This leads many people to wonder – is turquoise more closely related to teal (a greenish blue) or aqua (a blue-leaning green)? While there is some overlap between these colors, turquoise is really its own distinct hue.
The Origins of Turquoise
The name “turquoise” dates back hundreds of years and originally referred to the vibrant blue-green gemstone mined in Persia. The word comes from the French for “Turkish stone” because the gemstones were first brought to Europe by Venetian merchants who acquired them in Turkish bazaars. The color took its name from the gemstones.
Turquoise gemstones have been prized for their striking color since ancient times. King Tut’s funeral mask, dated to 1325 BC, contains turquoise stones adorning the headpiece. Deposits of the gemstone have been found dating back to the 5th millennium BC in Iran (formerly Persia). Turquoise was sacred to both the Aztecs and the Egyptians. It came to symbolize wisdom, tranquility and protection.
Defining the Color Turquoise
In color theory, turquoise is considered a tertiary color – one made by combining the primary colors of red, yellow and blue. Specifically, turquoise contains notes of blue modulated by yellow and a touch of white to soften it. The result is a vivid blue-green teetering more towards the greenish side.
On the RGB color wheel used for digital displays, turquoise is created by mixing moderate amounts of green and blue light. The hex code for turquoise is #40E0D0. On the CMYK color model used for printing, turquoise contains moderate amounts of cyan (blue) and yellow with very little magenta (red) and black.
Turquoise vs. Teal
Teal is often likened to a “darker turquoise.” This is generally true, but there are some subtle differences between the two shades.
Teal sits lower on the color wheel and contains more blue undertones compared to turquoise. The green aspect is darker and duller. Technically, teal is considered a blue-green rather than a greenish blue. It is created by mixing blue into a green base, whereas turquoise starts with blue and adds yellow.
On the RGB color wheel, teal contains less green (#008080 as opposed to turquoise’s #40E0D0). In the CMYK system, teal has more cyan/blue ink compared to turquoise. It sits closer to blue on the visible spectrum of light.
Some examples of teal colors are:
- Peacock teal – darker, more greenish
- Dark teal – deeper and more blue
- Green teal – brighter with more green
- Blue teal – more blue tones
Teal works well as an accent color and pairs nicely with neutrals like gray and beige. It has a cooler, more sophisticated feeling than the brighter, livelier turquoise.
Turquoise vs. Aqua
Like teal, aqua is also quite close to turquoise but has some subtle differences. Aqua contains much more green compared to turquoise. It lacks the blue notes that give turquoise its serene, watery look.
Technically speaking, aqua sits higher on the color wheel, closer to the green region. It is toned down by adding white and sometimes a drop of black, making it slightly duller than turquoise. On the RGB and CMYK systems, aqua contains much more green and yellow than turquoise.
Some examples of aqua colors are:
- Blue-green aqua
- Greenish aqua
- Bright aqua
- Blue aqua
Aqua has a crisp, clean and invigorating feel. It pairs well with darker blues and pops against black or white. Aqua tones work well in modern, minimalist styles.
Distinguishing Turquoise from Teal and Aqua
When viewed side-by-side, turquoise stands out from teal and aqua for its vibrant, shimmery quality reminiscent of the prized gemstone. Here are some key ways to tell turquoise apart:
- Turquoise leans more towards greenish-blue rather than blueish-green
- It contains a clearly visible balance of blue and yellow tones
- Turquoise has a luminous, radiant appearance
- It is brighter and more intense than teal
- Turquoise has a pure, cool blue undertone compared to aqua
The following chart summarizes some of the key differences between turquoise, teal and aqua:
| Color | Hue Family | Undertones | Brightness | Feeling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Blue-green | Blue + yellow | Vibrant, luminous | Uplifting, peaceful |
| Teal | Blue-green | Blue-green | Deep, muted | Cool, sophisticated |
| Aqua | Green-blue | Green + white | Crisp, bright | Clean, refreshing |
This makes it clear that turquoise occupies its own position between teal and aqua in color space. It contains a more even balance of blue and yellow tones than the other two colors.
Variations of Turquoise
Like any color, turquoise encompasses a wide range of shades and tints. Here are some of the most common variations:
- Persian turquoise – Deeper and more blue, like the original gemstone
- Celestial turquoise – Lighter, with more green and white
- Turtle green – Dull, dark turquoise with more green
- Tiffany blue – Brighter, with a little more blue
- Verdigris – Grayer, with muted blue-green tones
- Mint turquoise – Very pale, with more white
- Neon turquoise – Vibrant, with a yellow bias
Turquoise can take on warmer, more tropical shades or cooler, more muted shades depending on how much yellow, white, green or blue is added to the base hue.
Use in Design
Turquoise has been used as a decorative color for centuries, from turquoise-glazed pottery in ancient Persia to the turquoise lacquerware of China. Today, it remains a popular accent color for interior design as well as graphics, packaging and commercial products. Some key ways to utilize turquoise include:
- Painting one accent wall in a pale turquoise hue
- Upholstering furniture in a bright, warm turquoise
- Adding turquoise decorative pillows or artwork
- Selecting turquoise home accessories like vases, lamps or rugs
- Choosing turquoise for branding elements like logos
- Using turquoise backgrounds behind text or images
- Picking turquoise bottles or packaging for consumer products
Turquoise works especially well contrasted with warm metallic accents like gold and copper. Its natural vibrancy draws the eye while still feeling refreshing rather than overpowering.
Turquoise Gems and Jewelry
Natural turquoise gems remain a popular jewelry stone used in both tribal and modern jewelry fashions. The signature blue-green turquoise is mined mainly in Iran, Afghanistan, Australia, southwestern United States and China. Quality turquoise has an even, strong color without any veins or discoloration.
Because it is relatively soft, turquoise is easiest to work with when combined with other harder stones. Common turquoise jewelry uses include:
- Turquoise cabochons in silver settings
- Turquoise beads strung into necklaces
- Turquoise accents on rings, earrings or bracelets
- Turquoise inlay in gold or silverwork
- Carved turquoise animal motifs
- Turquoise chips combined with coral or lapis lazuli
In the Southwest United States, distinctive Native American silverwork often highlights colorful turquoise stones. This striking use of turquoise has now become iconic of the region.
Cultural Associations
Turquoise has accumulated many cultural meanings and associations through the centuries. Some key symbolic associations include:
- Protection – In Persia, Egypt and the Middle East, turquoise was used to ward off unlucky forces
- Healing – Native Americans believed turquoise had healing powers
- Wisdom – Turquoise represented wisdom and luck in ancient China
- Fertility – Turquoise was connected to fertility in Pre-Columbian Mesoamerica
- Royalty – Turquoise adorned the crowns of emperors from Persia to Russia
- Wealth – Rare turquoise signaled high social status
Even today, many still feel drawn to the distinctive turquoise hue. It manages to be fresh and soothing but also energetic – perhaps creating a sense of balance between mind and body.
Conclusion
Turquoise occupies a unique place between teal and aqua on the color wheel. With its balance of green and blue tones, turquoise has a vibrant yet tranquil quality. While teal leans more blue and aqua more green, turquoise strikes a harmonious balance between the two. This distinctive blue-green hue has decorated palaces and monuments for centuries thanks to its beauty and symbolic associations. Turquoise continues to be treasured both as a color and a gemstone, retaining an air of wisdom, protection and healing power.