The color amber goes by several other names that describe the various hues and shades within the amber color spectrum. Amber is a warm yellowish-orange color that falls between yellow and orange on the color wheel. It got its name from the fossilized resin of the Baltic amber trees, which is found in shades of golden yellow to orange-brown. Amber is often associated with the orange-brown colors found in honey, whiskey, maple syrup and autumn leaves. Other common names used to describe the various shades of amber include gold, yellow-orange, brown-orange, copper and bronze.
Common Names for Different Amber Shades
There are many words used to describe the range of hues that fall under the broad amber color category:
Gold – The metallic yellow tone of pure gold is the lightest and brightest shade of amber. It has a bright, luminous yellow color.
Yellow-orange – This is the classic amber shade that falls midway between yellow and orange. It is a warm, golden yellow with a hint of orange.
Brown-orange – As amber deepens, it takes on more orange-brown tones. This is a rich, earthy amber with strong brown undertones.
Copper – The metallic reddish-orange color of copper has a strong amber tone to it. This is often called “burnt amber.”
Bronze – Darker and more brown than copper, bronze also contains amber hues. It is a deep brown-orange metallic shade.
Honey – The warm golden color of honey has distinctive amber/yellow tones.
Whiskey – Aged whiskey has amber and brownish-orange shades similar to the fossil resin.
Maple syrup – The rich, warm color of maple syrup is often described as amber.
Autumn leaves – Dying leaves in autumn turn vibrant shades of amber, orange and gold.
Amber Color Meanings and Symbolism
In color psychology, amber is associated with warmth, happiness and vitality. Its golden glow is energetic and uplifting. Here are some of the meanings associated with amber as a color:
- Warmth – The cozy, fire-like glow of amber evokes feelings of warmth.
- Happiness – The cheerful, sunny tone of lighter amber shades expresses joy and optimism.
- Energy – Amber’s vibrant hue symbolizes vigor, strength and vitality.
- Creativity – The color inspires creative and intellectual energy.
- Wisdom – Amber represents accumulated knowledge and experience.
- Balance – As a blend of yellow and orange, amber promotes harmony and stability.
- Approachability – Amber is friendly and inviting, not overpowering.
- Fall – Amber tones are associated with the autumn season.
- Nature – Amber evokes associations with honey, maple syrup and autumn leaves.
In healing practices, amber is linked to boosting energy levels, mental clarity and digestive health. As a gemstone, amber is considered calming and soothing. Overall, amber is seen as warm, happy, wise and uplifting.
Amber vs. Similar Color Names
Amber is sometimes confused with similar-sounding color names. Here’s how it compares:
| Amber | Warm yellowish-orange |
| Auburn | Reddish brown, like the hair color |
| Apricot | Pale orange |
| Gold | Pure metallic yellow |
| Yellow | Primary yellow, no orange tones |
| Orange | Shade between red and yellow |
| Brown | Dark, muted orange |
While similar, each of these colors has a distinctive look. Amber sits in the middle, with its warm, golden yellow-orange glow.
Shades of Amber: Light, Medium and Dark
Amber is transparent and has many shades along the light-to-dark spectrum. Here are some common variations:
Light amber – The lightest amber shades include luminosity, gold, lemon yellow and canary. They have a bright, vitalizing energy.
Medium amber – This covers the true amber hues like yellow-orange, brown-orange and shades of honey, maple syrup and whiskey. Medium amber is warm and inviting.
Dark amber – The deeper amber tones include copper, bronze, cognac, autumn leaves and old gold. Dark amber feels earthy and intimate.
Image showing light, medium and dark variations of the amber color tone.
By adjusting the brightness and saturation of amber, designers can create many moods and looks. From bold and energizing to subtle and sophisticated, amber’s range gives it great versatility.
Amber Color Codes for Digital Design
When working with amber colors digitally, these color codes can be used:
HEX codes – The hexadecimal RGB codes for amber include #FFBF00, #FFA500 and #FF7E00.
RGB values – In the (R,G,B) system, amber RGB values range from (255,191,0) to (255,165,0).
CMYK values – The CMYK percentages for amber are 0% cyan, 25% magenta, 100% yellow and 0-20% black.
Pantone colors – Relevant Pantone colors include Pantone 1235 C, 130 C, 7409 C and 7406 C.
Having the exact color codes makes it easy to integrate amber tones into designs across digital media. The numeric values give precise control for displaying amber colors consistently.
Key Takeaways
- Amber describes a range of golden yellow-orange shades between yellow and orange.
- Common amber names include gold, yellow-orange, brown-orange, copper, bronze and shades of honey, whiskey and maple syrup.
- Amber symbolizes warmth, happiness, energy, wisdom, balance and approachability.
- It differs from similar colors like auburn, apricot, gold, yellow, orange and brown.
- Amber has light, medium and dark varieties.
- Digital amber color codes include HEX, RGB, CMYK and Pantone values.
So in summary, the warm and golden glow of amber goes by many descriptive names referring to its use in natural foods and beverages, metallic minerals, autumn leaves and more. Underlying them all is a vibrant yellow-orange color that captures happiness, vitality and the beauty of nature.
Conclusion
Amber is a versatile color with many different names and shades. Ranging from light yellow-gold to deep coppery browns, amber’s warm, inviting glow has many positive associations. Used in design and marketing, amber tones convey happiness, warmth, wisdom and creativity. Whether called gold, brown-orange, whiskey, maple or autumn leaves, the color amber has enduring appeal and symbolic meaning. With its many varieties and connotations, amber continues to be a top color choice for a wide range of applications.
