Purple and dark blue are two colors that complement each other well. When mixed together, they create a rich, deep shade that has an elegant, mystical feel. In this article, we’ll explore what colors make purple, what colors make dark blue, and what shade results when you combine these pigments.
What Makes the Color Purple
Purple is a secondary color, meaning it is created by mixing two primary colors together. The primary colors are red, blue, and yellow. To make purple, you mix red and blue. The more red you add, the closer the purple gets to red-violet. The more blue you add, the closer it gets to blue-violet.
There are a few different shades of purple:
- Violet – This is the pure hue of purple, made by mixing equal parts red and blue.
- Purple – Has more red than blue, creating a reddish-purple.
- Blue-violet – Has more blue than red, creating a bluish-purple.
So when creating the color purple, the main pigments used are red and blue. Adjusting the ratio of these two primary colors gives different shades of purple.
What Makes the Color Dark Blue
Dark blue contains the primary color blue mixed with black, which darkens the shade. The more black you add to blue, the darker the blue becomes.
There are a few different shades of dark blue:
- Navy – A very dark blue closest to black.
- Blueberry – Slightly lighter than navy but still a dark blue.
- Persian blue – A shade between blue and navy.
So the main pigments used to create dark blue are blue mixed with black. The more black added, the darker the shade of blue.
Mixing Purple and Dark Blue
When you mix purple and dark blue, you create a rich indigo color. Indigo sits between purple and blue on the color wheel. It has a mystical, elegant feel. The indigo hue was often used historically for royal garments and robes.
Here’s an overview of the pigments that make indigo when you mix purple and dark blue:
| Color | Pigments |
|---|---|
| Purple | Red + Blue |
| Dark Blue | Blue + Black |
| Indigo (mix) | Red + Blue + Black |
As you can see, indigo contains the pigments of purple (red and blue) and the black pigment of dark blue. By adjusting the ratios, you can create different hues and shades of indigo.
Here are some examples of indigo shades created from mixing purple and dark blue:
- Majorelle blue – A bright indigo named after French artist Jacques Majorelle. Majorelle blue has more purple than dark blue.
- Tyrian purple – A reddish shade of indigo made from the Phoenician marine mollusk. Historically used for royal robes.
- YInMn blue – A new pigment discovered in 2009. YInMn blue is a vivid, cool-toned indigo.
As you can see, mixing purple and dark blue makes an array of rich, vivid indigo shades. Indigo dyes have been used for centuries to color textiles and fabrics. More recently, indigo shades have been popular for hair dyes, tattoos, house paints, and more.
The Psychology of Purple, Dark Blue, and Indigo
Color psychology suggests purple has the following attributes:
- Royalty – Historically associated with emperors, kings, and queens
- Luxury – Often used for expensive, high-end goods
- Mysticism – Connected to spirituality and magic
- Creativity – Stimulates right-brain thinking
Meanwhile, dark blue is associated with:
- Intelligence – Linked to knowledge and wisdom
- Stability – Suggests strength and reliability
- Professionalism – Used in many corporate logos
- Safety – Reminiscent of clear night skies and deep waters
When you mix these two colors to make indigo, the shade takes on attributes from both original hues:
- Authority – Commands respect like royalty
- Power – Conveys integrity and seriousness
- Mystery – Sinister yet elegant ambiance
People tend to describe indigo as “wise but alluring” and “authoritative yet profound.” It has a cosmic, ancient sensation that stimulates deep thought and curiosity. Indigo is an eyebrow-raising color that hints at the unknown and unexplained.
Uses and Applications of Indigo
Some popular uses and applications of indigo shades include:
- Fashion – Indigo dye has been used for centuries to color clothing like jeans. Designers like Majorelle used indigo in their collections.
- Home decor – Walls, furniture, art, and decor in indigo can create a mesmerizing, mystical atmosphere.
- Graphic design – The tech industry has embraced indigo for websites, apps, and logos to convey professionalism.
- Personal care – Indigo hair dye and nail polish allows people to display their creative, eccentric side.
- History – Ancient cultures used indigo to color royal robes and textiles.
No matter where it’s used, indigo conveys elegance, creativity, and intrigue. The color provides visual interest and depth, acting as a neutral that goes with both warm and cool palettes. Combining purple and dark blue makes an unforgettable shade.
Conclusion
When you mix the primary colors red and blue to make purple, and combine blue with black to make dark blue, the resulting shade is a stunning indigo. This rich hue contains pigments of red, blue, and black, creating a color saturated with regal history and mysticism.
Indigo straddles the line between warm and cool, authority and creativity, luxury and eccentricity. It commands attention without overpowering. The combination of purple and dark blue makes an endlessly versatile, beautiful color.
Whether you’re decorating your home, choosing fashion pieces, or developing a brand identity, indigo is an ideal choice. Its bold character awakens creativity and curiosity in remarkable ways.
