Turquoise is a bluish-green color that is often associated with the gemstone of the same name. It is a popular color in design and fashion due to its calming and serene qualities. While turquoise can be defined simply as a blue-green, there are actually many variations of the color with different RGB, HEX, and CMYK values. Understanding the color code combinations that make up different shades of turquoise can help designers and artists select the perfect hue.
The Origins of Turquoise
The name “turquoise” dates back hundreds of years and originated in the 16th century. It comes from the French term “pierre tourques” meaning “Turkish stone”. This refers to the fact that the gemstone turquoise was first brought to Europe from Turkey. The countries of Iran, Afghanistan, and the Southwestern United States are also significant sources of the gemstone turquoise.
Turquoise gems have been mined for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence shows that ancient Egyptians used turquoise in jewelry and decorations as early as the First Dynasty around 3000 BCE. The Aztec civilization also used the gemstone extensively. In the 13th century, Marco Polo wrote about turquoise gems being abundant in Persia. Turquoise mining has continued through modern times with major mines in the Southwest United States.
The striking blue-green color of the turquoise gemstone led to the name becoming used as a color term in the late 16th century. The first recorded use of “turquoise” to describe the color rather than the gem was in 1573. While the name originally referred specifically to the light blue-green shades of the turquoise gem, it became more broadly used for a variety of blue-green hues.
The Turquoise Color Spectrum
There is a wide spectrum of colors that can be described as turquoise, ranging from bluer shades near cyan to greener shades near teal. The turquoise gemstone itself can also have varying amounts of blue and green hue. Some factors that influence turquoise color include:
- Amounts of copper and iron – More copper produces a stronger blue color while more iron produces a greener hue.
- Matrix color of host stone – White host stones make a brighter color while dark host stones subdue the hue.
- Opacity vs translucency – Opaque turquoise has a stronger color while translucent stones have a paler shade.
The most valued and intense turquoise gem color is a pure blue-green or blue shade with high translucency. However, turquoise can range from a pale whitish-blue to a deep greenish tone. As a general color name, turquoise encompasses all shades of light blue tinged with green.
Key Color Code Combinations
There are several main color code formats used to represent digital colors. The primary combinations used to create various hues of turquoise are:
RGB Values
The RGB color model uses varying levels of the red, green, and blue light to create all colors on digital displays. Turquoise RGB values have high green and blue with little to no red. Common RGB values include:
- R=0, G=206, B=209 – A light turquoise tone
- R=64, G=224, B=208 – A brighter blue-green turquoise
- R=0, G=255, B=239 – A pale, pale turquoise
- R=72, G=209, B=204 – A green-tinged turquoise
HEX Codes
HEX color codes are six-digit codes that represent the RGB values. The first two digits represent red, the middle two green, and the last two blue. Common turquoise HEX codes are:
- #00CED1 – A medium sky blue turquoise
- #40E0D0 – A brighter blue-green turquoise
- #00FFFF – A light cyan turquoise
- #48D1CC – A greener turquoise
CMYK Values
The CMYK color system uses levels of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink to create printed colors. Turquoise CMYK values have high levels of cyan with low magenta and yellow.
- C=100, M=0, Y=0, K=0 – A bright cyan turquoise
- C=85, M=0, Y=20, K=0 – A medium-light turquoise
- C=87, M=0, Y=33, K=0 – A green-blue turquoise
- C=81, M=0, Y=22, K=0 – A softened turquoise
Different Shades of Turquoise
Within the broad turquoise color spectrum there are many specific shades and hues. Here are some of the most popular varieties of turquoise color:
Cyan
Cyan is a bright blue-green that sits between green and blue on the color wheel. It has strong blue undertones.
- RGB: R=0, G=255, B=255
- HEX: #00FFFF
- CMYK: C=100, M=0, Y=0, K=0
Robin’s Egg Blue
This shade is named after the pale blue-green color of robin’s eggs. It is a light, grayish turquoise.
- RGB: R=0, G=203, B=211
- HEX: #00CBD3
- CMYK: C=80, M=5, Y=20, K=0
Persian Green
Persian green is a darker turquoise color with a strong green tone. It is the traditional color of Persian tiles.
- RGB: R=0, G=166, B=147
- HEX: #00A693
- CMYK: C=100, M=0, Y=50, K=15
Celeste
Celeste is a pale, sky-blue version of turquoise leaning towards blue rather than green tones.
- RGB: R=178, G=255, B=255
- HEX: #B2FFFF
- CMYK: C=50, M=0, Y=0, K=0
Turquoise Blue
Turquoise blue is a brighter tone with strong blue undertones. It is similar to pure turquoise gems.
- RGB: R=0, G=255, B=239
- HEX: #00EFFF
- CMYK: C=100, M=0, Y=10, K=0
Teal
Teal is a darker blue-green that sits between blue and green on the color wheel. It has more green compared to turquoise.
- RGB: R=0, G=128, B=128
- HEX: #008080
- CMYK: C=100, M=0, Y=50, K=50
Using Turquoise Colors in Design
Turquoise colors lend themselves well to many uses in graphic, web, interior, fashion, and other designs. Here are some key ways to effectively use different shades of turquoise:
- Use light turquoises like celeste or cyan for a fresh, ocean-like feel in backgrounds, headers, or illustrations.
- Try Persian Green or teal for bold accent colors on buttons, titles, or logos.
- Mix turquoise tones with neutrals like white, tan, gray, or wood textures for an earthy look.
- Complement turquoise with yellows, golds, oranges, or pinks for a bright, vibrant color scheme.
- Use darker or duller turquoise hues like teal or robin’s egg blue for retro or vintage themes.
- Pair cool blues and greens with turquoise for spa, tropical, aquatic, or nature themes.
It helps to select one dominant turquoise shade for a palette and use lighter and darker tones of that color for variety. Make sure to view turquoise colors on the actual medium they will be used for to test how the colors render.
Psychology of the Color Turquoise
Color psychology attributes certain emotional qualities and meanings to different hues. What feelings and associations does the color turquoise evoke?
Balance and Harmony
Turquoise is seen as a color of balance as it combines the calming, stable qualities of blue with the growth and renewal attributes of green. It brings together the earth and sky. This makes turquoise symbolic of harmony and equilibrium.
Healing and Relaxation
The cool tranquility of turquoise evokes relaxation. Its association with beautiful tropical waters also gives it a soothing, healing quality. Turquoise is thought to have healing powers over the spirit and emotions.
Open Communication
As a balance between the heart and the mind, turquoise promotes clear communication and enhances wisdom. It brings self-awareness and creative expression.
Spirituality
Turquoise has been a spiritual color since ancient times. The Aztecs and Egyptians used it to represent the heavens. It symbolizes higher purpose, wisdom, and mystic intuition.
Due to its uplifting yet grounding impact, turquoise inspires inner clarity and spiritual meaning. It combines the divine with the earthly.
Friendship and Emotional Safety
The caring quality of turquoise promotes friendship, trust, and openness. It creates feelings of emotional safety and security. It can aid in clearing hurt or fear.
Cultural Associations
Beyond its color psychology, turquoise also has many cultural and historic associations that influence its meaning:
- Gemstone Lore – Turquoise stones symbolize power, protection, and wisdom in many cultures. They are thought to ward off evil.
- Native American Culture – Turquoise has an important role in many tribes. It represents water, fertility, and strength.
- Feng Shui – Blue-green turquoise is said to promote calmness and healing in a space.
- Judaism – Turquoise is the color of the tapestry in the Tabernacle and a color of the Jewish High Priest’s breastplate.
- Islam – In Iran, turquoise is an iconic color representing paradise and religious faith.
From decorative artifacts to religious rituals to fashion statements, the vibrant yet soothing color has significance across cultures.
Using Color Codes Properly
To work with digital turquoise tones effectively, it helps to understand some key principles of using color codes:
- Match the color code format to the software/program you are using – RGB for onscreen, CMYK for print, HEX for coding.
- Test colors on your actual medium to see how they render. Color perception varies on different materials.
- Make sure you have enough contrast between text and background colors for readability.
- Complementary colors like orange can make turquoise “pop.” But too much contrast creates vibration.
- Use turquoise alongside adjacent colors on the wheel for harmonious schemes.
- Understand color intensity to translate codes into matching tints or shades.
With the endless turquoise variations from code combinations, you have ample options for projects. Try picking 3-5 shades for your palette.
Conclusion
Turquoise is a timeless, vibrant color with a unique energy all its own. By understanding the origins, spectrum, codes, varieties, meanings, and uses of different turquoise tones, creatives can thoughtfully incorporate this colorful hue into designs to great impact.
Whether you prefer a serene cyan, earthy teal, or bright Persian green, the color codes and combinations are available to mix your ideal turquoise. Just keep in mind the feeling you want to evoke, test your colors, and pair them wisely for cohesive palettes. With its soothing yet uplifting essence, turquoise provides a memorable splash of color.
