When colors are mixed together, they create new shades and hues. One popular color combination is mixing green and blue to create a tranquil, cool shade. But what is the specific name for this green-blue blend? The answer depends on the exact ratio of the colors mixed and can range from aqua to teal to turquoise. In this article, we’ll explore the different names used for shades of blue-green and help identify the proper terminology.
Primary Colors: Green and Blue
Green and blue are both primary colors on the visual spectrum. When mixed, they make secondary colors like turquoise and teal.
Pure green is created by combining the primary colors yellow and blue. It sits between blue and yellow on the color wheel. The hue of standard green is around 120 degrees.
Blue is a primary color at around 240 degrees on the color wheel. It sits between violet and green.
Mixing Green and Blue
When green and blue are mixed together, they create shades spanning the range between the two. The exact resulting color depends on the ratio of green to blue.
More green results in a bluish-green. More blue makes a greener blue. Right in the middle is a balance between the two.
Here’s a look at common ratios and the shade names they produce:
| Color Ratio | Shade Name |
| 70% green, 30% blue | Bluish green |
| 60% green, 40% blue | Greenish turquoise |
| 50% green, 50% blue | Turquoise |
| 40% green, 60% blue | Greenish teal |
| 30% green, 70% blue | Teal |
As you can see, turquoise sits right in the middle with an even split between green and blue. As the ratio shifts to either side, the name adjusts to indicate which color dominates.
Defining Turquoise
Turquoise is the perfect balance between green and blue. The word turquoise dates back to the 16th century and stems from the French word for Turkish, “Turquois”. That’s because the bright blue-green stones were first brought to Europe from Turkey.
True turquoise contains traces of iron and copper that give it its signature blue-green color. The hue of natural turquoise ranges from sky blue to green depending on the minerals present. It averages around 180 degrees on the color wheel.
In color theory, turquoise is considered a tertiary color, meaning its made by combining the primary colors green and blue. When mixing paint or digital colors, a perfect turquoise is created by mixing half green and half blue.
Some key facts about the color turquoise:
– Hex triplet code: #30D5C8
– RGB values: (48, 213, 200)
– CMYK values: (77, 0, 6, 16)
– Closest web colors: medium turquoise, azure
So when you mix together an even split of pure blue and green, the result is a vibrant turquoise.
Variations in Turquoise Tones
There are many shades of turquoise ranging from more greenish to more blueish. Here are some of the common turquoise variations:
– Aqua: A greenish turquoise that contains more green and less blue. It’s brighter and more saturated than basic turquoise.
– Celeste: A pale, sky-blue shade of turquoise popular in Italian porcelain glazes. It has more blue than green.
– Cyan: A greenish-blue that’s one of the secondary colors on the CMYK color model. It contains slightly more blue than green.
– Seafoam green: A pale, whitish-blue green with strong green overtones.
– Tiffany Blue: A specific robin’s egg blue turquoise trademarked by Tiffany & Co.
– Teal: A darker, richer turquoise with more blue. Its greener than a peacock blue.
– Viridian: A blue-tinged green on the verge of turquoise but with more green content.
So while turquoise sits in the middle, shades with subtle variations in hue and brightness may take on more specific names.
Calling Greenish Blues “Turquoise”
Because turquoise occupies the space between blue and green, it has become a catch-all term for shades in the blue-green range.
Marketers sometimes use turquoise and aqua interchangeably when naming products, even if the color leans slightly more blue or green. The public also uses the term turquoise broadly for blue-greens.
So while turquoise technically means an even split between blue and green, it’s often used more loosely to refer to similar sea-inspired shades.
Conclusion
When green and blue are mixed together evenly, the resulting color is turquoise. It perfectly balances the hues between the two parent colors. Variations in the ratio of green to blue create shades like teal and aqua that tweak turquoise in different directions.
While turquoise has a precise definition, its also used colloquially to refer to any shade in the blueish-green range. Marketers, brands, and the general public take some creative license when using the name.
So while you may see various sea-inspired greens and blues all referred to as turquoise, the real deal is an equidistant blend between green and blue. When you mix equal parts blue and green paint, you’ll get a perfect turquoise every time.
Psychological Effects of Turquoise
The cool, inviting color of turquoise can evoke many psychological responses. Here are some of the most common feelings and associations people have with turquoise shades:
– Calming – The balance of tranquil blue and earthy green creates soothing, relaxing vibes. Turquoise is used in design to calm nerves.
– Spiritual – Its green tones connect to nature while blue brings harmony and meditation. Turquoise is linked to inner wisdom.
– Healing – Many cultures believe in the healing energy of turquoise stones. The color seems to restore wellbeing.
– Femininity – Lighter turquoises like Tiffany blue suggest feminine charm. Darker teals have a sophisticated aura.
– Creativity – Turquoise inspires creative flow through its balance of logic and emotions. It’s popular in artistic spaces.
– Clarity – Turquoise has clarity between green’s emotion and blue’s calm. It aids focus and clear thinking.
– Growth – With blue’s intelligence and green’s renewal, turquoise supports personal growth. It’s the color of possibility.
– Protection – Ancient cultures believed turquoise had protective qualities. Its earth and sky hues provide comfort.
So whether you’re looking to relax, reflect, create or grow, turquoise has a unique energy no other color can match. Its mix of tranquility and renewal make it universally appealing.
Turquoise in Culture and History
Turquoise holds symbolic meaning in cultures across the globe. Here are some of the most significant representations of turquoise throughout history:
– Ancient Egypt – Turquoise beads and pendants adorned royal jewelry. Pharaohs were buried with turquoise sarcophagi and scarabs for protection.
– Mesoamerica – The Aztecs and Mayans used turquoise extensively in art, jewelry and even embedded in teeth. It had spiritual and decorative importance.
– Asia – Jadeite with turquoise hues is treasured in China. In India, turquoise is connected to the goddess Lakshmi and symbolizes good fortune.
– Persia – The turquoise mines of Iran were the source of wealth for ancient Persians. Turquoise remains the national gem of Iran today.
– Native Americans – Turquoise has sacred meaning for the Navajo, Apache, Zuni and Hopi. It represents water and regeneration to these desert peoples.
– New Age – Mystics believe turquoise aids in connecting to higher realms and channeling energy. It’s used in purification rituals.
So while turquoise is now a staple fashion color, its unique shade has carried deep cultural symbolism throughout human history, used both for adornment and spiritual practices. It remains an eternally fresh hue.
Using Turquoise in Fashion and Decor
Whether it’s clothing, interior design or jewelry, turquoise makes for a trendy, eye-catching accent. Some tips for stylishly using turquoise include:
– In clothing, pair turquoise with beiges and other neutrals. It pops against black or white. Use blue jeans to let it echo the blue undertones.
– Turquoise accessories like jewelry, handbags and shoes add fun pops of color to any outfit. It works with silver and gold metals.
– For interiors, use turquoise sparingly against white or neutral backgrounds. Let it shine in throw pillows, rugs and accent walls.
– Mix the intensities – lighter tiffany blues, richer teals and dark aquas all work together beautifully.
– Decor touches like throw blankets, table runners and turquoise ceramics liven up kitchens and outdoor spaces.
– Turquoise shines alongside copper and wood tones. It also pops against black and white.
So embrace turquoise in your personal surroundings for an uplifting, resort-inspired look. Contrast it with neutral backdrops to let it stand out brightly.
Conclusion
Turquoise remains an eternally stylish shade that manages to feel both classic and on-trend. By perfectly blending the tranquility of blue and growth of green, it strikes the ideal balance. Turquoise’s many variations allow endless possibilities to use it creatively across all genres of design. With its soothing palette and striking contrast, this blue-green shade will always make a statement.
