Bluish purplish is a color that combines the cool tones of blue and the regal tones of purple. It sits between the two on the color wheel, mixing their qualities into a rich, complex hue. But what exactly is bluish purplish? What colors make up this blend, and what are some examples of places we might see it? In this article, we’ll explore the characteristics, shades, and uses of bluish purplish.
Defining Bluish Purplish
Bluish purplish is not a single color but rather a range of hues created by mixing blue and purple pigments and light. By adding more blue to purple, the color cools and brightens. Adding more purple to blue deepens the tone. The result is an intriguing color that has visual depth yet also vivid energy.
On the RGB color wheel used for light on screens, bluish purplish colors have high amounts of blue and red light, but less green. In print using CMYK pigments, they have high amounts of magenta and cyan ink, with less yellow and black. On the traditional RYB color wheel, bluish purplish hues contain purple and blue from the cool side of the color spectrum.
Characteristics of Bluish Purplish
So what are the main characteristics that define bluish purplish as a color category? Here are some of its notable qualities:
Cool in tone: Bluish purplish retains the coolness of blue rather than the warmth of redder purples. This gives it an airy, relaxing effect.
Deep and rich: The addition of purple gives bluish purplish more depth than basic blue. This richness lends it a sense of luxury.
Vibrant: While deeper than blue, bluish purplish also glows with vivid energy that stands out on the page or screen.
Regal: Bluish purplish evokes a sense of royalty borrowed from purple’s traditional association with emperors and kings.
Mysterious: The depth of bluish purplish can seem mysterious or alluring, like the night sky.
Ambiguous: Sitting between blue and purple, bluish purplish retains an intriguing ambiguity.
Shades of Bluish Purplish
Bluish purplish describes a range from lighter, brighter hues to darker, deeper ones. Here are some of the most common shades and their hex color codes:
| Shade | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Pale Bluish Purple | #B7B1DA |
| Lavender Blue | #B7A7D6 |
| Bluebell | #909ED4 |
| Wisteria | #A591D3 |
| Medium Bluish Purple | #8F7BCD |
| Iris | #62529C |
| Dark Bluish Purple | #473F91 |
Paler shades like pale bluish purple and lavender blue have a soft, elegant feel. Medium shades like bluebell and wisteria add more depth while retaining a sense of delicacy. Darker bluish purplish hues like iris and dark bluish purple convey mystery and drama.
Bluish Purplish in Nature
In the natural world, we can discover examples of bluish purplish in floral blooms, gemstones, birds, insects, and more. Here are a few places you might spot these intriguing hues:
Flowers: Many flowers exhibit bluish purplish tones, like irises, hydrangea, morning glories, delphiniums, and clematis. These provide pretty pops of color in summer gardens.
Butterflies: Some butterflies have bluish purple wing patterns and markings, such as the purple emperor and viceroy.
Gemstones: Semi-precious gems like tanzanite, amethyst, and sapphire can display deep bluish purple colors.
Birds: The feathers of birds like blue jays and purple martins contain vivid bluish purplish shades.
Insects: You’ll find bluish purplish iridescence on the wings and bodies of many insects, like dragonflies.
Minerals: Lepidolite and fluorite are two minerals that commonly exhibit an elegant bluish purple coloration.
Seashells: The inside of some seashells, like nautilus shells, feature a pearlescent bluish purple lining.
Bluish Purplish Pigments
Historically, creating rich bluish purplish pigments for paints and dyes was challenging. Most purple hues were derived from rare sea snail secretions. But modern chemistry has created affordable and stable options. Here are some of the most common pigments used:
Dioxazine Purple: This modern synthetic pigment, commonly called dioxazine purple, has an intense bluish purple hue. Brand names include Chromatint violet and Winsor violet.
Manganese Violet: This inorganic pigment contains manganese phosphate to produce its bluish purple color. It’s more transparent than other options.
Ultramarine Violet: As the name suggests, this pigment contains ultramarine compounds to achieve a violet-blue tone. It’s both opaque and lightfast.
Red Shade Phthalo Blue: Phthalo blue with an added touch of red creates a vivid bluish purple paint. It’s a staple of modern acrylic painting.
Pigment Mixtures: Blending blue and purple pigments also easily produces customizable bluish purplish tones.
Uses of Bluish Purplish
Thanks to its versatility, bluish purplish finds many applications in art, design, fashion, marketing, and beyond. Here are some of its popular uses:
Painting: Artists often add bluish purplish accents to create focal points or convey emotion through color psychology.
Textiles: In upholstery and drapery fabrics, bluish purplish conveys luxury and sophistication.
Logos: Bluish purple grabs attention, lending an ideal accent color for logos.
Marketing: Bluish purplish themes suit high-end brands wanting to convey premium quality.
Website Design: Web designers use bluish purple as an accent color to add visual interest while maintaining readability.
Packaging: Cosmetics, jewelry, and wine often feature bluish purplish packaging to signal indulgence.
Fashion: Within women’s fashion, bluish purple communicates originality and confidence.
Interior Design: Decorators add bluish purplish accents on feature walls or furnishings for an elegant, relaxed ambiance.
Bluish Purplish in Culture
In cultural contexts throughout history, bluish purplish has carried symbolic resonances of spirituality, creativity, and nobility. Here are some of its cultural associations:
Royalty: In many ancient cultures, bluish purple garments represented high status due to the rarity of purple dyes.
Wealth: The lush hues have long conveyed extravagance, from Byzantine mosaics to Renaissance oil paintings.
Imagination: Bluish purplish evokes daydreams and flights of fancy through its cool, mystical aura.
Wisdom: As an intermediate color, bluish purple represents balance, insight, and intelligence.
Femininity: Bluish purple’s softness and sensitivity align it with feminine energy.
Spirituality: It triggers introspection and transcendence, known as the “third eye” chakra in eastern traditions.
Creativity: The color stimulates right-brain thinking, often inspiring art, music, and invention.
Conclusion
While blue and purple seem like very distinct hues, blending them opens up an entirely new color experience. The resulting bluish purplish tones have a magical quality, at once grounding yet otherworldly. This chameleon color shifts from cool to warm, delicate to bold, traditional to unexpected. Its natural incarnations, diverse pigments, and cultural symbolism give bluish purple a special status as both ancient and freshly intriguing. Whatever creative endeavors or spaces you seek to enrich, explore the possibilities of bluish purplish.
