Green objects are items or entities that are characterized by the color green. Green is a color that is commonly associated with nature, growth, renewal, youth, and energy. Some common green objects that we encounter in our day-to-day lives include trees, plants, veggies, fruits, leaves, grass, and more. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most common green objects that surround us and examine why they appear green.
Plants and Trees
One of the most ubiquitous types of green objects are plants and trees. Plants contain chlorophyll, a green pigment present in plant cells and leaves that is essential for photosynthesis. Through photosynthesis, plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose and oxygen. This gives plants and trees their characteristic green color. Some examples of green plants and trees include:
| Conifers | Firs, pines, spruces, cedars |
| Deciduous trees | Oak, maple, birch, aspen |
| Shrubs | Rhododendron, azalea, juniper |
| Herbaceous plants | Ferns, hostas, ivy |
| Succulents | Aloe vera, jade plant |
During spring and summer, trees and plants undergo increased photosynthetic activity and have lush green foliage. In autumn, chlorophyll breaks down and reveals other pigments like carotenoids and anthocyanins, leading to brilliant displays of orange, red, and yellow fall foliage. Evergreen trees maintain their green needles all year round.
Fruits and Vegetables
Many fruits and vegetables that we commonly eat also appear green. This is because fruits and veggies contain chlorophyll while they are developing. Some prime examples include:
| Fruits | Avocados, green apples, kiwis, green grapes, green pears |
| Vegetables | Broccoli, brussels sprouts, green beans, zucchini, green peppers, peas, asparagus, artichokes, cucumbers, lettuce |
In unripe fruits, chlorophyll dominates over other pigments like carotenoids. As fruits ripen, chlorophyll is degraded and other colorful pigments emerge over green. Vegetables like lettuce, spinach, broccoli, peas and zucchini remain green when cooked properly. Overcooked green veggies start losing their verdant green color.
Green Gemstones
In the mineral kingdom, several precious and semi-precious gemstones prominently display the color green. Some prime examples include:
| Emerald | Deep green variety of the mineral beryl |
| Jade | Ornamental mineral that comes in green and white varieties |
| Malachite | Striking green-banded mineral |
| Peridot | Translucent green mineral of the olivine family |
| Green tourmaline | Green variety of the tourmaline mineral group |
The vivacious green color in these gems is usually derived from the presence of traces of chromium, iron, vanadium or nickel. These mineral impurities influence how light is absorbed and reflected within the crystal structure of the gemstones, bringing out rich green shades. Green gems have been treasured since antiquity for their lush colors and mystical powers.
Other Natural Green Items
Apart from flora and fauna, there are many other instances of the color green occurring naturally around us:
| Green lakes and seas | Caused by algal blooms and suspended sediments |
| Green sand | Derived from olivine minerals |
| Green rocks | Serpentine, malachite, jade |
| Green minerals | Olivine, dioptase, amazonite |
| Green meteorites | Containing the mineral olivine |
The prevalence of the color green in nature is closely tied to the abundance of chlorophyll and green pigments produced by living organisms through photosynthesis. But green also manifests in lakes, rocks, sands and space rocks due to chemical composition and light physics. This reiterates why green is such an integral color in our natural world.
Man-Made Green Objects
Beyond items found in nature, the color green also features prominently in man-made objects, materials and designs. Some examples include:
| Green paints and dyes | Chrome oxide green, phthalocyanine green |
| Green fabrics | Dyed with green dyes and pigments |
| Green bottles | Colored using iron oxide compounds |
| Green traffic lights | Regulates right of way on roads |
| Green CGI | Green screen technology in films |
Humans have fabricated synthetic green dyes, pigments and colorants since ancient times. Objects can be made green artificially through processes like painting, dying, tinting and color filtering. Digital media like film and TV also employ green screen CGI techniques to superimpose backgrounds. The color green holds cultural symbolism and meaning, which explains its prominence in man-made constructs.
Why Are Objects Green?
As we have seen, there are several reasons why common objects around us appear green:
| Presence of chlorophyll | In plants, trees, green veggies and fruits |
| Green minerals | Malachite, jade, emerald, olivine |
| Chromium compounds | In gems, paints, dyes |
| Iron oxides | In rocks, meteorites, clays, ceramics |
| Suspended particles | Causing green water bodies |
| Light scattering | Creating green iridescence |
The ubiquitous presence of the color green in both living and non-living things demonstrates its elemental role in the fabric of nature. As well, the prevalence of green in human culture and man-made artifacts reinforces its psychological impact and symbolism for life, rebirth and environmentalism.
Significance of the Green Color
So what does the pervasive occurrence of the color green signify and represent? Here are some of the key meanings and symbolism associated with green:
– Growth, renewal and vitality
The green color in plants is a direct result of growth via photosynthesis. This associates green with the cycles of renewal and organic life.
– Harmony with nature
Green is ubiquitously found in the natural world, representing unity and balance with the environment.
– Restfulness and relaxation
Green is considered a gently soothing hue that brings calmness and relaxation.
– Prosperity and abundance
The lush green of vegetation and landscapes signifies the prosperous bounty of nature.
– Hope and optimism
The green of spring symbolizes rebirth, revival and hope for the future.
– Health and wellbeing
The green vibration is believed to have a healing effect on body and mind.
– Safety and permission
Green traffic lights literally grant permission to proceed safely. Green signifies “go”.
– Environmentalism
Green has become synonymous with ecological movements and sustainability.
So in essence, the prevalence of green in the natural and human world reinforces its symbolic meanings related to nature, growth, renewal, abundance, permission, health, and ecology. The next time you see green plants, trees, gems or eyes, think about what vital roles the color green plays in our world.
Conclusion
Green is a primal and essential color that surrounds us in nature, vegetation, gems, and other objects. The main reasons behind the green coloration are the presence of chlorophyll and other pigments, chromic compounds, iron oxides, light scattering, and suspended particles. Green signifies vitality, growth, hope, harmony, relaxation, prosperity, permission, and environmentalism. Man-made constructs also incorporate green for its positive symbolic meanings. The next time you encounter something green, consider how this restorative color infuses our world with renewal, energy and balance.
