Sapphire blue is a rich, deep shade of blue that conjures images of gemstones and precious jewels. As a color name, “sapphire” refers to the typical blue color of the gemstone sapphire. Sapphires are a variety of the mineral corundum and get their blue color from trace amounts of iron and titanium. Their saturated blue hue has captivated people for centuries and sapphire blue remains an iconic and coveted color.
But what is the exact hex code that defines this regal shade of blue? Hex codes are six-digit codes that represent colors in web design, digital design, and printing. Each two-digit section represents the amount of red, green, and blue that makes up the color. So to know the specific hex code for sapphire blue, we need to break down its precise RGB color values.
The RGB Values of Sapphire Blue
Sapphire blue sits between a light sky blue and a dark navy blue on the color wheel. Its rich saturation comes from having high amounts of blue, balanced by moderate amounts of red and green.
Most sources identify the RGB values of sapphire blue as:
– Red: 18
– Green: 77
– Blue: 140
So sapphire blue contains a small amount of red, a moderate amount of green, and a high amount of blue. The high blue content gives sapphire its signature vivid blue appearance.
These precise RGB values are what distinguish sapphire blue from other shades of blue. For example, navy blue has RGB values of 0, 31, 63, containing much less red and green. On the other hand, sky blue is defined as 135, 206, 235, with far more green and blue than sapphire.
Translating RGB to Hex
Now that we know the red, green, and blue values that make up sapphire blue, we can translate this into a hex code. Hex codes represent these RGB values in hexadecimal base notation – basically using combinations of the numbers 0-9 and the letters A-F.
Each RGB value is converted to a hexadecimal number from 00 to FF. So for sapphire blue:
– Red (18) translates to 12 in hex
– Green (77) translates to 4D in hex
– Blue (140) translates to 8C in hex
Putting these pairs of hex digits together gives us the hex code:
#125C8C
This 6-character hex code succinctly captures the exact shade of sapphire blue by specifying its unique red, green, and blue composition.
| Color | RGB | Hex |
| Red | 18 | 12 |
| Green | 77 | 4D |
| Blue | 140 | 8C |
So whenever you need that classic rich sapphire blue, #125C8C is the hex code you want to use.
Variations of Sapphire Blue
With hex codes, even slight variations in the RGB values will produce noticeably different shades of color. So there are a few other hex codes that can also represent variations of sapphire blue:
– #082567 – This is a darker, more medium blue sapphire with less red and green.
– #2185d5 – Slightly more green and blue in this lighter, brightened sapphire.
– #145C9E – Very similar to the classic sapphire blue but with slightly more green.
– #0F4C81 – A darker, muted sapphire with reduced red, green, and blue.
| Variation | Hex Code |
| Darker sapphire | #082567 |
| Lighter sapphire | #2185d5 |
| Brighter sapphire | #145C9E |
| Muted sapphire | #0F4C81 |
So when selecting a sapphire blue, you can fine-tune the shade by adjusting the hex code. Lighter, brighter blues tend to have more green and blue, while darker shades reduce all three RGB values.
Sapphire Blue in Design
Now that we know precisely what hex code captures that perfect sapphire blue, how is it used in design?
Sapphire blue is a bold, elegant color that fits many design applications:
– Websites – Sapphire works well for website headers, footers, and accents. It pairs nicely with white or light gray text.
– Logos – Sapphire blue is an excellent choice for luxury, finance, jewellery, or technology brands.
– Presentations – Slide titles and highlights in sapphire blue add sophistication.
– Documents – Sapphire blue makes a great color for headers, charts, or data visualizations.
– Social Media – Sapphire blue graphics stand out on social media feeds and capture attention.
– Decor – In home decor, sapphire blue makes a dramatic accent wall, door, or furniture piece.
Sapphire blue is versatile enough to work in minimalist or ornate designs. Just remember that cool blues like sapphire work best against neutral backgrounds. Too much sapphire blue can feel overwhelming, so use it strategically to make details stand out.
Conclusion
Sapphire blue is defined by the hex code #125C8C. This represents the precise RGB color values – 18 red, 77 green, and 140 blue – that create this rich, saturated blue. While minor variations exist, this hex code will give you that classic sapphire blue in any digital or print design application. Sapphire evokes luxury and sophistication, so use it strategically to add some jewel-toned appeal. With the right hex code, you can harness the power of this gemstone classic.