The color that results from mixing green and blue is typically a dark shade of teal or turquoise. When green and blue light combine, the resulting color is cyan. However, when green and blue pigments or dyes are mixed together, the resulting color is a darker teal or turquoise hue. The exact shade that is produced depends on the specific shades of green and blue used and the proportions they are mixed in.
How Light and Pigments Produce Color
In order to understand why combining green and blue produces different results for light versus pigments, it is helpful to understand some basics about how color is produced.
Light is additive. When different colored lights mix together, they produce a cumulative effect. For example, red light and green light combine to make yellow light. In monitors and screens, tiny red, green, and blue light pixels are combined in different proportions to produce all the colors we see. When green and blue light mix, they make cyan, which is a bright bluish-green color.
Pigments and dyes, on the other hand, absorb certain wavelengths of light and reflect others. The color we see is from the wavelengths that are reflected. Pigments are subtractive – they work by absorbing some wavelengths and reflecting others. When pigments are mixed, some of the wavelengths are absorbed rather than reflected back to our eyes.
So when blue and green pigments are combined, what we see is the wavelengths that are reflected by both blue and green, which results in a dark teal or turquoise color. The pigments subtract out some of the brightness we would see if mixing colored light.
Key Factors in Mixing Green and Blue
There are a few key factors that influence the specific dark teal or turquoise shade that results from mixing green and blue pigments:
Shades of Green and Blue
– Darker shades will produce a darker result than lighter shades. Deep forest green and navy blue will produce an extremely dark teal, for example.
– More muted or grayish shades will also cause the result to be more muted and grayish.
– More bright, saturated shades will give a more vibrant, jewel-toned result.
Proportions
– The more blue pigment used relative to green, the bluer or more turquoise the result will be.
– Conversely, adding more green will shift the color toward a greener teal.
– Roughly equal parts green and blue generally produces a balanced, classic teal color.
Type of Pigment
– Different pigments and dyes have slightly different properties in terms of light absorption. The exact molecular composition impacts the way the green and blue mix.
– Paint, ink, fabric dye, and other pigments may produce somewhat different shades when green and blue are combined.
Examples of Teal and Turquoise Mixes
Here are some examples of specific green and blue pigment combinations and the teal shades they produce:
| Green Pigment | Blue Pigment | Resulting Color |
| Sap green | Ultramarine blue | Vibrant teal with a green tint |
| Forest green | Cobalt blue | Deep jewel-toned teal |
| Olive green | Navy blue | Muted gray teal |
| Mint green | Sky blue | Pastel blue-green |
| Hooker’s green | Prussian blue | Dark teal with a slight green tint |
As you can see, the green and blue shades and mixing ratios have a significant impact on the resulting teal tone. Most combinations produce a darker, grayer tone than pure cyan light. Prussian blue and sap green are classic pigment pairings for achieving a vivid teal. Combining darker shades usually gives a rich, dramatic color. Lighter tints of green and blue create a soft pastel teal.
Uses of Teal from Green and Blue
The rich, dark teal or turquoise color created by mixing green and blue pigments is popular for use across many different fields:
Art and Design
– Painters mix green and blue on their palettes to produce varied teal tones for landscapes, seascapes, portraits, and more.
– Graphic designers use teal for websites, logos, presentations, and print materials when a more sophisticated color is desired.
– Interior decorators may paint walls or add teal accents through furniture, rugs, and decor to create a dramatic effect.
Fashion and Textiles
– Clothing designers incorporate teal fabrics like silk or linen into their collections.
– Teal is used for dyeing clothing like shirts, dresses, and sports uniforms.
– Jewelry makers may use teal stones like turquoise or topaz.
Manufacturing and Industrial Uses
– Automobile manufacturers may paint cars or components in custom teal shades.
– Makers of consumer goods like electronics or kitchen appliances may color parts or the entire product housing teal.
– Building products like roofing tiles or siding can be produced in darker teal colors.
| Field | Examples of Teal/Turquoise from Green + Blue |
|---|---|
| Art | Paintings, photography backdrops, sculptures |
| Design | Website color schemes, marketing materials, product packaging |
| Fashion | Clothing, accessories, shoes, jewelry |
| Home Decor | Furniture, rugs, wall paint, pillows |
| Industrial | Cars, appliances, electronics, tools |
Conclusion
In summary, the dark color created by mixing green and blue pigments is usually a shade of teal or turquoise. The exact hue – whether more green, blue, bright, or muted – depends on the specific pigments used and their proportions. Teal combines the soothing qualities of blue and the vitality of green for a versatile, sophisticated color. Designers and manufacturers across many industries leverage teal produced by green and blue to communicate and connect with their audiences. So next time you see a product, artwork, or textile in a beautiful teal tone, it likely came from blending those two colors.