Yellow and chartreuse are two distinct colors that are often confused with one another. While both fall in the yellow-green color range, they have some key differences that set them apart. In this article, we’ll explore the history, definitions, and distinguishing features of yellow versus chartreuse to understand how to tell these colors apart.
Defining Yellow
Yellow is one of the primary colors on the visual spectrum along with red and blue. It sits between green and orange on the color wheel and is a warm, bright, and often cheerful or sunny hue.
The origins of the word “yellow” trace back to Old English “geolu” derived from the Proto-Germanic word “gelwaz”. It has related counterparts in other Germanic languages including German “gelb” and Dutch “geel”.
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, yellow as a color is defined as:
“Of the color of gold, butter, or ripe lemons.”
Specifically in color theory, yellow is defined as having:
– A dominant wavelength of approximately 570–590 nanometers
– A light wavelength of 570–590 nm
– A bright, luminous reflectance
On the RYB (red, yellow, blue) color model, yellow is considered a primary color. On the RGB (red, green, blue) additive color model, yellow is created by combining equal intensity green and red light.
Some common shades of yellow include lemon yellow, golden yellow, amber, and bright neon/highlighter yellow. Yellow takes its name from the color of egg yolks, butter, and ripe lemons.
Defining Chartreuse
Chartreuse is a greenish-yellow color that was named after the French liqueur made by Carthusian monks. While it is considered a shade of yellow-green, it is much greener than true yellow.
The first recorded use of “chartreuse” as a color name in English was in 1884. It comes from the French word referring both to the alcoholic drink and the color. The French word can be traced back to the charterhouse monastery (Carthusian order of monks) where the liqueur was originally produced.
According to color theory, chartreuse is defined as:
– Having a dominant wavelength of approximately 500–560 nm
– Having a light wavelength of 500–570 nm
– Being a highly saturated tertiary color
– Having medium to high brightness
On the RYB scale, chartreuse contains more green and blue compared to yellow. On the RGB model, chartreuse is created by combining more green than red light.
Common shades of chartreuse include yellow-green, green-yellow, electric lime, and neon lime green. Chartreuse takes its name from the yellow-green color of the French herbal liqueur.
Key Differences
While yellow and chartreuse may appear similar, there are some key differences that set them apart:
Hue
– Yellow sits between green and orange on the color wheel. It has a hue ranging from 570-590 nm dominant wavelength.
– Chartreuse sits between yellow and green. It has a hue ranging from 500-570 nm dominant wavelength.
Saturation
– Yellow is a primary color with high saturation. It is more pure and intense.
– Chartreuse is a tertiary color with medium saturation. It is less intense than primary yellow.
Brightness
– Yellow has high brightness, emitting a luminous, radiant color.
– Chartreuse has medium to high brightness, but is generally less bright than pure yellow.
Tint
– Yellow maintains its dominant color when tinted or shaded.
– Chartreuse becomes more green when tinted and more yellow when shaded.
RGB/RYB Models
– On the RYB scale, yellow is a primary color while chartreuse contains more green and blue.
– On the RGB model, yellow is a mix of red and green light while chartreuse contains more green light.
| Color | RGB Values |
|---|---|
| Yellow | R:255 G:255 B:0 |
| Chartreuse | R:127 G:255 B:0 |
As seen in the table, yellow has equal parts red and green light while chartreuse has much more green light compared to red.
How to Tell Yellow and Chartreuse Apart
Here are some tips for distinguishing yellow from chartreuse:
– Compare hue – Yellow is more orange/red based while chartreuse is more green based.
– Check brightness – Yellow will appear brighter while chartreuse is more muted.
– Add white/black – Yellow stays pure but chartreuse shifts toward green or yellow.
– Reference real objects – Yellow is lemons and bananas. Chartreuse is limes and avocados.
– Use a color wheel – Yellow leans warm while chartreuse leans cool.
– View under different lights – Yellow remains consistent while chartreuse may shift.
– Consider saturation – Yellow is a primary color, chartreuse a tertiary color.
– Look at RGB/RYB – Yellow has more red, chartreuse has more blue and green.
– When in doubt, choose yellow – If not clearly green, it’s likely pure yellow.
Examples and Uses
Some examples of yellow vs chartreuse colors:
Yellow
– Sunflowers, daffodils
– Lemons, bananas
– Rubber ducks
– School buses
– Highlighter markers
– Caution signs
Chartreuse
– Lime green
– Avocados
– Green apples
– Frog skin
– Bright green eyeshadow
– Neon athletic wear
Yellow is commonly associated with sunshine, warmth, and happiness. It grabs attention and contrasts strongly with dark colors.
Chartreuse has connotations of spring, nature, vibrancy and modern neon aesthetics. It provides contrast against black or neutrals.
Conclusion
Although yellow and chartreuse may initially appear very similar, they are distinct hues. Yellow is a primary color on the warm, luminous end of the spectrum. Chartreuse is a greenish-yellow tertiary color with less intensity and brightness.
Understanding the subtle differences in hue, saturation, brightness and color mixing allows designers and artists to properly differentiate between yellow and chartreuse. So next time you’re looking at a bright green-yellow color, check for these telltale differences to identify if it’s true yellow or the more emerald chartreuse.