Green is a color that is associated with nature, growth, renewal, and ecology. While green is considered a common color in nature, there are some rare and unique shades of green that stand out. In this article, we will explore some of the rarest types of green and what causes them.
Chartreuse
One rare shade of green is chartreuse. Chartreuse is a yellowish-green color that was named after a French liqueur made by Carthusian monks in the 18th century. The liqueur got its name from the monks’ charterhouse monastery (La Grande Chartreuse).
Chartreuse is very vibrant and intense. It sits between green and yellow on the color wheel. This electric, acidic shade of green is often associated with the neon signs of Las Vegas. Chartreuse pigments were once made from a mix of fustic and blue. Today, the color chartreuse is reproduced with a combination of yellow and green pigments.
Verdigris
Verdigris is a bluish-green hue that is quite rare in nature. It has a cool, subdued tone. The name verdigris comes from the Latin word viridis, meaning green, and Greek word chalkos, meaning copper.
This color gets its name from the patina that forms on aged and weathered copper. The patina is created by copper carbonate and copper chloride that builds up on the copper over years of exposure to acids, alkalis, and weather elements like moisture and salt air. The Statue of Liberty is a famous example of verdigris patina on a copper monument.
Verdigris pigment was once made by exposing copper metal to acids like vinegar or fermenting urine. The chemical reaction produced blue-green verdigris crystals that were ground into paint pigment. Today, verdigris tones can be mixed by blending green and blue pigments.
Celadon
Celadon is a pale, cool grayish-green that is quite soothing and subtle. It is named after the light green glaze used on ancient Chinese celadon ceramics. Celadon wares were produced during the Han dynasty and fired at very high temperatures.
The celadon glazes used oxide mixtures including iron, which resulted in the pale, grayish-green color. Celadon became a very desired style of ceramic across Asia. Korea also produced a large amount of high-quality celadon pottery.
| Rare Green | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Chartreuse | #7FFF00 |
| Verdigris | #43B3AE |
| Celadon | #ACE1AF |
Today, celadon green can be mixed by combining gray, blue, and green pigments into a light, cool tone. It gives off a very soothing, subtle vibe.
Emerald
Emerald is a rich, lush green that is associated with the emerald gemstone. True emerald gems have a striking green color caused by traces of chromium and vanadium. The vibrant green in emeralds is very rare and prized in jewelry.
Emerald dye was historically made by coloring glass with copper and adding vegetable dyes. Emerald pigment for paint later included compounds like copper resinate. Modern emerald shades can be created by mixing blue and yellow pigments into a powerful green.
Pantone 17-5641 TPX is a vivid emerald green shade. When paired with black, it creates a bold, sophisticated color scheme. Emerald green remains a rare and luxurious shade associated with wealth and nature.
Moss Green
Moss green is deep, earthy green that resembles moss on trees or stones. It is created by adding black or brown to a forest green. The color resembles lush green moss covering shady groves and woodlands.
Traditionally, moss green paint was made using iron oxide and fustic. Modern moss greens uses more black or brown shades mixed into a dark green. It gives off an earthy, rustic vibe.
Moss greens work nicely in home decor. They can create a cozy, earthy look in living rooms, bedrooms, or studies. Pairing moss green with creams or browns emphasizes the earthy, organic color palette.
Malachite
Malachite is a rich, mesmerizing green that resembles the natural malachite gemstone. Malachite is a vibrant green mineral often banded with swirling patterns in shades of green and black. The vibrant green color comes from high concentrations of copper carbonate.
The deep green malachite pigment has been used in art and paint since the Renaissance. In the 1800s, synthetic malachite greens were created by combining copper minerals and acids. Vibrant malachite green remains closely associated with the stunning layered malachite gems.
Conclusion
Green is found everywhere in nature, but there are some rare and exotic shades of green that stand out. Chartreuse, verdigris, celadon, emerald, moss green, and malachite greens are all vivid colors with unique stories behind them.
Historically, many green pigments were derived from copper compounds that produced a wide spectrum of green and blue-green hues. Today’s paint technologies allow us to recreate these rare greens through careful blending of modern pigments.
The lush, regal tones of emerald and malachite evoke wealth, jewels, and prestige. On the opposite end, earthy moss greens and celadon create a calm, grounded look. Chartreuse and verdigris have an electric, abstract quality. Each rare green has its own energetic vibe and evocative color palette.
Next time you seek an eye-catching, uncommon shade of green, look beyond the basics like forest, mint, or lime greens. Experiment with a vibrant gem-inspired hue like emerald or malachite. Or use a weathered, antique patina like verdigris. There is a wide world of rare greens waiting to be discovered.
References
Smithsonian Magazine. “This Blue-Green Mineral May Have Helped Bring Life to Earth.” Accessed September 22, 2023. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/this-blue-green-mineral-may-have-helped-bring-life-to-earth-166360925/
Encyclopedia Britannica. “Celadon.” Accessed September 22, 2023. https://www.britannica.com/art/celadon
ColorPsychology.org. “Green Color Psychology and Meaning.” Accessed September 22, 2023. https://www.colorpsychology.org/green/
