Black, white and gray are some of the most common colors used in design, fashion, and everyday life. But what exactly are the proper names for these different shades? Here is a quick overview of the terminology used to describe variations of black, white and gray colors:
Black Color Names
Black is the darkest color on the visual spectrum. It absorbs all wavelengths of visible light and reflects none back to the eyes. Some common names and types of black colors include:
| Jet Black | The darkest, most intense black with no traces of other colors |
| Ebony | Very dark black with a slight warm undertone |
| Charcoal | Dark black with a slight grayish tint |
| Onyx | Rich, deep black color often used in jewelry |
| Raven | Slightly lighter and warmer than jet black |
The perception of how dark a black is can depend on factors like texture and lighting. But in general, jet black is the deepest, most neutral black while charcoal and onyx are slightly lighter and warmer.
White Color Names
White is at the opposite end of the spectrum from black. It reflects nearly all visible light at full intensity and transmits almost none. Some common white color variations include:
| Pure White | Brightest white without tones of other colors |
| Snow | Crisp, icy white with cool blue undertones |
| Ivory | Off white with warm, creamy yellow undertones |
| Pearl | Soft white with a shimmery, iridescent quality |
| Bone | Dull, yellowish white resembling bone color |
The perception of white can change depending on lighting conditions. But pure white generally appears the brightest, while ivory is the warmest and pearl is softest.
Gray Color Names
Gray is an achromatic color, meaning it falls on the spectrum between black and white. It retains some lightness while mixing in black tones. Some key types of gray include:
| Charcoal Gray | Dark gray with black undertones (darker than standard gray) |
| Slate Gray | Dark bluish-gray (can have slightly purple/green tint) |
| Steel Gray | Blueish-gray resembling unpolished steel |
| Ash Gray | Light gray with faint warm (beige) undertone |
| Silver | Very light cool gray, sometimes with a metallic sheen |
Charcoal gray is the darkest, close to black. Ash gray is the lightest and warmest tone. More vibrant grays like blue-gray can reflect color in lighting.
Tints and Shades
In color theory, tints and shades refer to lighter or darker variations of a color. For example:
| Tint | Mixing a color with white to lighten it |
| Tone | Mixing a color with gray to create a muted shade |
| Shade | Mixing a color with black to darken it |
Some examples using black, white and gray:
| Jet black tint | Charcoal gray (black + white) |
| Cool gray tone | Slate gray (black + gray) |
| Dark charcoal shade | Ebony black (black + more black) |
By lightening black with white or darkening it with more black, many shades and tints can be created. This applies to white and grays as well.
Color Wheel Positions
On the traditional color wheel, black, white and gray are considered “neutral” colors. They do not have a specific position on the wheel. However, some broad associations include:
| White | Opposite black on the color wheel |
| Gray | Located between black and white |
| Black | Often paired with bright accent colors |
Black contrasts strongly with bright hues like yellow and can make them pop. White goes well with any color and especially pastels. Grays are versatile neutrals that complement most colors.
Uses in Design and Fashion
In the worlds of art, design, and fashion, black, white and gray are ubiquitous:
| Black | Luxury, modern, sleek |
| White | Clean, fresh, innocent |
| Gray | Neutral, sophisticated, reserved |
Some examples of their use include:
- Black clothing in high fashion or modern minimalist looks
- White wedding dresses representing purity
- Gray business suits connoting professionalism
Black contrasts well with bright colors in graphic design. White space is used for clean modern layouts. Grays are popular neutral backgrounds.
Psychology of Black and White
Research has uncovered some psychological and cultural associations people form with black, white and gray:
| Black | Power, strength, mortality |
| White | Goodness, purity, cleanliness |
| Gray | Neutrality, balance, compromise |
In Western cultures, black is often viewed as a “heavy” color associated with death and mourning. White represents innocence and perfection. Grays can symbolize balance and neutrality. However, symbolism varies globally based on cultural traditions.
Conclusion
Black, white and gray come in many shades, tints and tones for diverse applications. On the color spectrum, black absorbs light while white reflects all wavelengths. Gray mixes white and black to achieve muted shades between the two opposites. Understanding the terminology for variations of these neutral hues allows for better communication and use in design.
