Turquoise is a bluish-green color that has been prized for millennia. The name originates from the French word for Turkish, as the vibrant blue-green gemstone was originally imported from Turkey. Turquoise colour is associated with the striking blue waters of tropical seas and skies, making it a refreshing, tranquil and luxurious shade.
Turquoise is an ancient and mystical colour that has symbolized spirituality, wisdom, luck, health and life for centuries in many cultures around the world. It remains a popular colour today in fashion, interior design, jewelry and art. But what exactly does this distinctive blue-green shade look like? Let’s explore the different characteristics that define the colour turquoise.
The Range of Turquoise Shades
There is a wide spectrum of shades that can be described as turquoise, ranging from greenish blues to bluish greens. The main defining feature is a strong infusion of blue mixed with green. The amount of blue and green varies, creating lighter, brighter, deeper or duller shades.
Here are some of the most common varieties of turquoise colour:
- Persian turquoise – This vibrant turquoise leans towards a pure blue shade. It resembles the striking blue of a tropical sea in sunlight.
- Celeste – A sky blue version of turquoise, named after the Italian word for sky. It has a soft, ice-blue tinge.
- Aqua – A brighter, bolder blue-green that pops against other colors. Aqua has equal amounts of blue and green.
- Teal – A darker, richer shade that skews towards green with hints of emerald. Teal is slightly muted compared to aqua.
- Tiffany Blue – An iconic robin’s egg blue trademarked by Tiffany & Co. It is a light, cool tone of turquoise.
- Turquoise green – A greenish-blue that strongly emphasizes the green undertones over the blue.
So turquoise spans a wide gamut, but generally falls somewhere between a greenish robin’s egg blue and deep sea green. The unifying thread between these shades is a sense of vibrancy from the fusion of blue and green tones.
What Gives Turquoise its Distinctive Color?
The distinct turquoise colour is produced by a special combination of minerals that form the gemstone that shares the same name. The main mineral composition is:
- Phosphates – These minerals provide the blue hues
- Aluminum – Adds a greenish tint
- Copper – Infuses a golden undertone
The exact mix and ratio of these mineral elements gives each turquoise gemstone its unique shade. While the phosphates lend the dominant blue color, the aluminum and copper modify it towards green and yellow undertones. The more aluminum present, the greener the turquoise becomes. Higher copper content makes it appear more golden.
This special blend of minerals gives turquoise its one-of-a-kind colouring that ranges from robin’s egg blue to aqua to teal. The mineral composition makes the colour rich and complex compared to synthetic pigments. Natural turquoise has an inherent depth and vibrancy.
How Lighting Affects Turquoise
The perceived colour of turquoise can change quite a bit depending on the type of light it is viewed under. This phenomenon is known as metamerism. Here is how different light conditions alter turquoise’s appearance:
Natural Daylight – The full spectrum of sunlight allows turquoise pigments to appear their truest colour. Natural light brings out the balance of blue and green tones.
Incandescent Bulbs – The yellowish glow of incandescent bulbs mute the blue tones of turquoise, making it pull more towards green. The shift is subtle, but noticeable.
Fluorescent Lighting – Fluorescent tubes emit spiky peaks of color vs. an even spectrum. This alters turquoise to look slightly more blue/green than natural.
LED Lighting – LEDs also have uneven peaks in their spectrum. Turquoise appears more vivid and artificially enhanced under pure white LEDs. Soft white LEDs render turquoise more naturally.
So the turquoise colour you perceive visually can vary depending on the lighting conditions. Daylight renders turquoise closest to its genuine appearance by showing its balanced blue-green essence. Incandescent and fluorescent lighting skew it slightly warmer or cooler.
How Turquoise Stacks up to Other Colours
The unique fusion of blue and green hues distinguishes turquoise from neighbouring colours on the spectrum:
| Colour | Comparison to Turquoise |
|---|---|
| Navy Blue | Navy lacks turquoise’s vibrancy by containing no green tones. It appears darker and more muted. |
| Royal Blue | Royal blue is brighter than navy, but still contains no green, giving turquoise more life. |
| Aquamarine | Aquamarine is a greenish-blue but is much paler and desaturated compared to rich turquoise. |
| Emerald Green | Emerald is darker and deeper than turquoise, lacking its sky blue tones. Turquoise has more vibrancy. |
| Mint Green | Mint green is lighter and crisper than turquoise. Turquoise looks more complex and layered than flat mint green. |
So while turquoise is related to blues and greens, its fusion of the two gives it a special flair. The balance of blue and green results in a richer, more nuanced colour than pure primary shades.
Turquoise Colour Psychology and Symbolism
Turquoise has been prized since ancient times for its healing properties and positive associations. Here are some of the key meanings behind this verdant blue shade:
Balance & Harmony – Turquoise combines the calming, reliable nature of blue with the growth and vitality of green. This mix is thought to create balance.
Spirituality – Many cultures have used turquoise to represent connecting to spiritual realms and heightening intuition.
Wisdom – Turquoise has been a symbol of knowledge, introspection and sagacity across many civilizations in Asia, Persia and the Americas.
Good Fortune – Turquoise is thought to offer luck and prosperity. Persians believed it warded off the evil eye.
Protection – Native Americans associated turquoise with shielding from harm and overcoming obstacles through its blending of sky and earth.
Healing – Turquoise has long been valued for its supposed medicinal properties, from curing ailments to promoting calm and mindfulness.
So while turquoise may simply look like a pleasant color, it has carried much deeper meaning across cultures for centuries. The associations with wisdom, fortune and spiritual energy give turquoise a special allure.
How Turquoise is Used
Turquoise’s refreshing yet luxurious vibe makes it versatile for use across many spaces:
Fashion – Turquoise makes a bold pop of color for accessories. It also pairs beautifully with white or natural tones.
Jewelry – The turquoise gemstone has been fashioned into beads, pendants and other adornments since ancient times. It provides a striking counterpoint to metals like silver and gold.
Interiors – As an accent color, turquoise enlivens home décor with its uplifting energy. It works well in bohemian, traditional and eclectic spaces.
Cosmetics – Turquoise eye makeup and nail polish create a bright, beachy look for summer. More muted tones work year-round.
Landscaping – The color turquoise is utilized in containers and architectural elements to evoke tropical vibes. Turquoise planters also pop against greenery.
Branding – Many brands leverage turquoise to promote natural, healthy or holistic products. It fits well with spas, wellness companies and eco-conscious initiatives.
From yoga pants to polished manicures, turquoise makes a versatile style statement. Its palette purity and emotional associations also make it ideal for brand identities and interiors.
Conclusion
Turquoise is truly one of a kind. Unlike any other single colour, it embodies the hues of both sky and sea, creating a tranquil equilibrium. Its ancient history and cultural symbolism give turquoise a mystique that few colours possess. Whether muted or vibrant, turquoise evokes tropical waters, blue skies and good fortune. Modern applications range from alternative therapies to beach-chic fashion, unified by the colour’s refreshing uniqueness. So the next time you behold the distinctive bluish-green of turquoise, appreciate just how special its fusion of mineral elements makes it.
