Turquoise is a unique color that has qualities of both blue and green. The exact hue of turquoise can range from a greenish-blue to a bluish-green. So whether turquoise is considered more blue or more green is somewhat subjective. However, there are some objective ways to analyze the color and determine if it skews more towards blue or green.
The Origins of Turquoise
The name “turquoise” dates back to the 16th century and comes from the French word for Turkish, “Turquie.” This is because the gemstone turquoise was first brought to Europe from Turkey. The word entered English through the Middle French “turquois” or Middle Latin “turchesius.”
So while the name itself is linked to Turkey, the pigment color turquoise has been used since ancient times in artifacts from Egypt, Mesopotamia, the Mediterranean, China, and more. The vibrant blue-green hue was created using minerals like copper and aluminum silicates.
How Turquoise Is Defined
In color theory, turquoise is considered a tertiary color made by combining the primary colors blue and green. The X11 color scheme used in web development defines turquoise specifically as a color with the HEX code #40E0D0. This corresponds to Red 64, Green 224, Blue 208.
The HSL color mode defines turquoise as a color with:
– Hue of 174° (between blue and green)
– Saturation of 72%
– Lightness of 56%
So while turquoise is distinctly made of blue and green components, the standardized web and digital definitions give turquoise a hue closer to blue than green.
Turquoise in Nature
In nature, turquoise rarely appears as a pure spectral color. The turquoise we see in gems and minerals includes:
– Copper aluminum phosphates like turquoise and faustite
– Hydrated copper and aluminum silicates like chrysocolla
– Copper carbonates like malachite
So natural turquoise gemstones contain blue copper components as well as green phosphate or silicate components. This gives turquoise its signature blue-green color.
The only living creature that produces a true turquoise pigment is the Turquoise Parrot native to northeastern Australia. Its bright feathers are created by a combination of yellow carotenoids and blue structural coloration from the structure of the feather barbs.
Perception of the Color Turquoise
How people perceive the color turquoise is somewhat subjective. Here are some patterns in how the color turquoise is described:
| Language | Translation of Turquoise |
|---|---|
| French | turquoise |
| Italian | turchese |
| Spanish | turquesa |
| Portuguese | turquesa |
| German | türkis |
| Russian | бирюзовый |
| Japanese | ターコイズ |
| Mandarin | 绿松石 |
The translations suggest most languages focus more on the blue side of turquoise, using words stemming from “Turkish” as the name. However, in Mandarin Chinese, turquoise translates directly to “green jade.”
So whether turquoise appears more blue or green depends on an individual’s perception. Factors like culture, language, and the exact shade of the turquoise sample influence whether it is seen as a blue or green color.
Using Turquoise in Design
In color theory, turquoise is considered a “cool color” along with blues and greens. This makes it popular in industries like web design, architecture, fashion, and marketing.
Some typical uses of turquoise based on its blue-green appeal:
– **Sea and nature themes** – evokes tropical waters
– **Spas and wellness** – relaxing, zen, revitalizing
– **Southwestern motifs** – turquoise jewelry is iconic in Native American art
– **Vintage and retro looks** – turquoise appliances were popular in 1950s décor
When using turquoise, designers should be aware that it will contrast with orange and red which are “warm colors” on the color wheel. Turquoise also harmonizes well with other cool colors like light blues, greens, purples, and pinks.
Blue Turquoise vs Green Turquoise
As a tertiary color, any turquoise tone will have essential qualities of both blue and green. However, turquoise made with higher blue content appears more blue while higher green content makes it appear more green.
Some examples:
– **Higher Blue Turquoise** – Look for turquoise with hints of sky blue. May have a darker, richer blue tone while still maintaining its green undertone. Often described as a “robin’s egg” blue.
– **Higher Green Turquoise** – Look for turquoise with hints of light green, like a pale sea green. Can also mix turquoise with yellow to increase its greenish appearance. Often described as a “mint” or “chalky” green blue.
– **Balanced Blue-Green** – The most classic turquoise has a balanced blue-green color. Look for pure shades of turquoise around #40E0D0. Ideally, the blue and green components will be equal.
Testing Turquoise – Blue vs Green?
To evaluate whether a turquoise sample is more blue or green, there are a few simple color testing methods:
**Compare to primary colors** – Compare the turquoise to pure blue and green swatches. See which it best matches.
**Digital reading** – Use a digital color analyzer to get the RGB or HSL readings. If the blue value is higher than green, it is more of a blue-leaning turquoise.
**Optical illusion** – Stare at a blue square, then look at the turquoise. It will temporarily appear more green. Or vice versa, making turquoise look more blue after staring at green.
**Black and white filter** – Convert the turquoise sample to greyscale. If it appears closer to a blue-grey, it has more blue. If it looks more like a green-grey, it has more green.
**Complimentary contrast** – Place the turquoise sample on an orange background. Orange is the complement of blue, so turquoise will look more blue against it. Place turquoise on a red background and it will appear more green.
Conclusion
Turquoise is an appealing color precisely because it straddles the line between blue and green. The amount of blue vs green can shift, creating more blue-toned or green-toned shades of turquoise.
In the end, whether turquoise appears more as a blue or green color depends on individual perception as well as the specific hue and application of the turquoise. Due to its origins and name, turquoise may lean towards being perceived as more of a blue, but its green elements are equally important in creating its signature color. When working with turquoise, designers and artists should embrace the unique balance between its blue and green aspects.
