When colors are mixed together, new shades and hues can be created. One popular blended color is a blue-green mix. This teal-like shade has many different names used to describe it depending on the specific hue. In this article, we’ll look at the different names used for colors that mix blue and green together.
Key Facts About Blue-Green Mixes
Here are some key facts about the colors that result when blue and green pigments or light are combined:
– Blue and green are considered complementary colors on the color wheel. This means they are directly across from each other. When complementary colors are mixed, they neutralize each other to create more muted, grayish tones.
– Mixing pure blue and pure green pigments will make a dark, murky color. Adding white makes the blend lighter and more vibrant.
– Light blue mixed with light green creates pastel aqua shades. This mix of sky blue and mint green is commonly seen in 1950s kitchen appliances.
– Mixing darker blues with emerald greens results in deeper teal tones. This is the classic “peacock” teal color.
– Adjusting the proportions of blue vs. green changes the hue and brightness of the final mix. More blue yields a true teal. More green results in a bluish-green.
Common Names for Blue-Green Colors
Here are some of the most common terms used to describe colors that blend blue and green:
Teal
Teal is generally considered a dark, grayish-green blue color. The name comes from the common teal bird which has iridescent teal feathers around its eyes. Teal gets its signature hue from having more blue than green in the mix.
Aqua
Aqua is a lighter, brighter, more greenish-blue color. It is meant to evoke the hue of clear ocean water in tropical locations. Aqua has more green in it compared to teal.
Turquoise
Turquoise sits between teal and aqua in terms of shade. It also has a hint of yellow to give it a warm, tropical look. The name comes from the blue-green gemstone found in arid, desert climates.
Sea Green
Sea green is a soft, light greenish-blue with more green than blue. It is meant to mimic the colors found in shallow ocean waters.
Mint
Mint is a pale, cool green with just a hint of blue added to tone down the brightness. It is named after the herbal mint plant.
Cyan
Cyan is one of the purest greens with just a drop of blue. It is a bright, vibrant hue halfway between green and blue.
Peacock Blue
Peacock blue is a deeper teal shade with a hint of emerald green sparkle, inspired by peacock feathers.
Duck Egg Blue
Duck egg blue is a pale, grayish aqua tone inspired by the blue-green color of some ducks’ eggshells.
| Color Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Teal | Dark grayish-green blue |
| Aqua | Bright greenish-blue |
| Turquoise | Warm greenish-blue |
| Sea Green | Soft light greenish-blue |
| Mint | Pale green with blue added |
| Cyan | Vibrant green and blue |
| Peacock Blue | Deep teal with green sparkle |
| Duck Egg Blue | Pale grayish aqua |
How the Blue-Green Mixes are Made
The specific proportions of blue, green, and other colors blended together impact the final hue that results. Here is a look at how some of the most popular blue-green shades are created:
Teal
– 60-70% blue
– 30-40% green
– A small amount of black is added to create the dark, grayish look
Aqua
– 60% blue
– 40% green
– A touch of white is added for brightness
Mint
– 60% green
– 40% blue
– Traces of white and yellow boost vibrancy
Cyan
– 51% green
– 49% blue
– No other colors added
Turquoise
– 55% blue
– 35% green
– 10% yellow
Sea Green
– 60% green
– 30% blue
– 10% yellow
Adjusting these color ratios will create slightly different shades. For example, more blue will yield a true teal. Adding more yellow gives a greenish sea glass color. The options are endless!
How Lighting Affects the Blue-Green Mix
The perceived color of a blue-green mix can change quite a bit depending on the lighting conditions where the color is viewed. Here is how different light temperatures impact these hues:
Warm light: Incandescent bulbs, candles, or sunlight create warm, yellowish light. In warm light, aqua looks more green. Teal appears more blue. Warm light brings out the yellow tones.
Cool light: LEDs, fluorescent, or overcast sky light have a cool, bluish tone. In cool light, aqua looks brighter. Teal appears more gray and muted. Cool light highlights the blue undertones.
Natural light: Full spectrum sunshine provides the most accurate representation of color. In natural light, subtle nuances in blue-green hues can be distinguished. The mixes look balanced without a color cast.
Choosing the right lighting is key for perceiving blue-green mixes accurately. Cool white LED bulbs are recommended to see the true undertones and prevent unwanted color skewing, especially for tasks like matching paint colors.
The Psychology and Meaning of Blue-Green Colors
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, colors also carry symbolic meaning and psychological associations. Here is what blue-green color mixes represent:
Balance – Blue and green are balancing, complementary colors. Their combination represents harmony, equilibrium, and stability.
Nature – The colors of sky, water, and plants are reflected in aqua, teal, and mint. They represent the natural world.
Healing – Blues and greens have calming, relaxing effects on the mind. They symbolize healing.
Openness – Bluish-greens suggest open spaces, freedom, and flow like the ocean and sky stretching to the horizon.
Femininity – Many blue-green hues are seen as feminine colors representing fertility and nurturing.
Creativity – The whimsical, mystical look of turquoise inspires artistic creativity and originality.
Affluence – Vibrant aqua and teal pigments were historically more expensive, denoting luxury.
Decorating with thesecool, tranquil blue-green tones can encourage a relaxing and creative environment. Mint green tones stimulate gentle focus while aquas promote free-flowing thought.
Uses for Blue-Green Colors
Blue-green mixes work beautifully in a wide range of interior design and other applications:
– Wall colors – Teal walls create an elegant, upscale look in a bedroom, office, or formal dining room. More vibrant aquas or mints work great in bathrooms, kitchens, or kids’ spaces.
– Furniture – Mint green and aqua furnishings provide a retro, playful pop. Deep teal suggests sophistication.
– Tile – Cool blue-greens bring harmony and flow to bathrooms and kitchen backsplashes.
– Textiles – Turquoise, teal, and sea green add personality on upholstery, pillows, rugs, and curtains.
– Branding – Aqua logos feel clean, relaxing and symmetrical. Teal conveys wisdom and trust for financial or professional services.
– Packaging – Mint pairs well with white space for an open, natural style. Teal pops on product labels.
– Landscaping – Bluish foliage plants complement florals in garden beds and container plantings.
Applied thoughtfully, these hues reflect the positive symbolic meanings associated with blue and green mixes.
Conclusion
The color family spanning blue, green and shades in between offers a wide spectrum of beautiful, versatile hues. By adjusting color ratios and adding white, black, or yellow, specific blue-green mixes can be created with names like teal, aqua, turquoise, mint, cyan, and sea green. The undertones in these colors shift noticeably in different lighting conditions. Blue-greens promote relaxation and creativity in interior design and other markets. Whether called teal, aqua, or mint, these cool combos of complementary colors have broad appeal across many applications.