Thunder blue is a deep, rich shade of blue that evokes the dark beauty of an approaching storm. As a color, it combines the depth of navy with the vibrancy of electric blue to create a dramatic, eye-catching hue. But what exactly is the hex code that web and graphic designers use to reproduce this striking color in digital formats? Read on to learn more about the technical specifications behind thunder blue.
Defining Hex Codes
Hex codes are 6-digit codes that represent colors in web design, graphic design, and other digital applications. Hex codes always start with a hash symbol (#) and then list 3 sets of 2 digits ranging from 00 to FF.
Each pair of digits represents the intensity of one of the 3 primary colors: red, green, and blue. For example, #0000FF would be pure blue, since the blue set of digits is FF (the highest value) while the red and green are 00 (the lowest value).
By mixing different intensities of these 3 primary colors, millions of unique colors can be defined. Hex codes provide a standard way for colors to be reproduced accurately on screens across different programs, browsers, operating systems, and devices.
The Hex Code for Thunder Blue
So what is that specific 6-digit hex code that precisely defines the rich, deep thunder blue color?
The hex code for thunder blue is:
#232B2B
Breaking this down into its individual RGB components:
– Red: 35 (#23 in hex)
– Green: 43 (#2B in hex)
– Blue: 43 (#2B in hex)
As you can see, thunder blue is made up of a relatively even combination of low to moderate levels of all 3 primary colors. The red value is slightly lower than green and blue, giving thunder blue its cool, deep shade compared to warmer blues.
Thunder Blue in Use
Now that we know the technical definition behind thunder blue’s hex code, let’s look at some examples of it used in real-world applications:
Websites
Many websites focused on weather, storms, lightning, and electricity incorporate thunder blue into their color schemes. Its ominous, stormy vibe fits well with these topics. Some examples include:
– The Met Office – UK weather site uses #242B2E, a very similar thunder blue variant, as header and accent color.
– Blitzortung.org – real-time lightning detection network uses #2C3148, another thunder-inspired shade.
– Stormhighway.com – storm chasing community features #222936, a darker thunder blue tone.
Sports Teams
Some sports franchises have adopted thunder blue as part of their branding to evoke power and intensity:
– Oklahoma City Thunder basketball team – their logo, uniforms, and merch feature #007DC3, a vibrant lighter thunder blue.
– Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team – often use #091E42, a very dark thunder blue, as an alternate jersey color.
Automotive Colors
Various car manufacturers have offered thunder blue as a dramatic color option on models wanting to make a bold stylistic statement:
– Dodge introduced Thunder Blue Pearlcoat in 2020 for the Charger and Challenger muscle cars.
– BMW has offered Thunder Night metallic paint on the i8 sports car and other performance vehicles.
– Lexus included Thunder Blue as an exterior color on the RC F Track Edition starting in 2020.
Visual Comparison
Here is a side-by-side look at thunder blue next to some other shades of blue so you can see it in context:
| Color Name | Hex Code | Sample |
|---|---|---|
| Thunder Blue | #232B2B | |
| Navy | #000080 | |
| Royal Blue | #4169E1 | |
| Sky Blue | #87CEEB |
As you can see, thunder blue is much darker and richer than sky blue, but also deeper and more muted than the brighter royal blue. Its moodiness lands somewhere between navy and these other shades.
Using Thunder Blue in Design
Now that you know precisely what thunder blue looks like and how it’s defined technically, how can you start using it in your own designs and projects?
Here are some tips for working with thunder blue effectively:
– Use it sparingly as an accent color. Because it’s so dark and bold, thunder blue is hard to make work as a dominant color. Instead, use it for smaller touches like headings, borders, or background shading.
– Pair it with contrasting lighter colors. Thunder blue will really pop when contrasted with white, light grays, tans, or other pale neutrals. This creates depth and vibrancy.
– Use it for weather, electricity, or power-related themes. As mentioned earlier, thunder blue’s stormy vibe lends itself perfectly to these types of topics.
– Add brightness with shades of blue. Mixing in brighter blues like royal, cyan, or sky blue can brighten up thunder blue and give it more dimension.
– Watch text contrast levels. Since thunder blue is so dark, text or elements placed on top of it may not have enough contrast for readability. Bump up font weights and colors to compensate.
The key is balancing and blending thunder blue carefully with other colors. Used thoughtfully, it can add bold drama without overwhelming a design.
Conclusion
Thunder blue’s hex code may seem simple – #232B2B – but this collection of 6 digits represents a truly complex, gorgeous color. Its blend of depth and vibrancy captures the rare beauty of an oncoming storm. For designers and developers, mastering this code means unlocking the ability to use thunder blue in websites, logos, graphics, and any other digital media.
