Teal green is a beautiful and calming color that is formed by mixing two primary colors together. To understand what primary colors make teal green, it’s helpful to first review some color theory basics.
The Primary Colors
The primary colors are red, yellow, and blue. These are called primary colors because they cannot be created by mixing other colors together. All other colors are derived from some combination of the primary colors.
When you mix any two primary colors together, you get a secondary color. For example:
| Red + Blue | = | Purple |
| Red + Yellow | = | Orange |
| Blue + Yellow | = | Green |
So secondary colors are made by combining two primary colors in equal amounts.
The third class of colors is called tertiary colors. These are made by mixing one primary color with one secondary color. For example:
| Red + Orange | = | Red-orange |
| Yellow + Green | = | Yellow-green |
| Blue + Purple | = | Blue-purple |
Tertiary colors have more complex names like red-violet, yellow-orange, blue-green because they represent a mixture of three primary colors.
Making Teal Green
So how does this relate to teal green? Teal is considered a tertiary color made from the two primary colors blue and green.
To make green, you combine the primary colors blue and yellow. So teal contains mostly blue, plus some green (blue + yellow). The exact ratio can vary, creating different shades of teal.
Here’s a summary:
| Blue (primary) |
| + Yellow (primary) |
| = Green (secondary) |
| + More blue |
| = Teal (tertiary) |
So the primary colors that make up teal green are blue and yellow. Teal gets its greenish shade from having a high amount of blue mixed with some yellow.
Different Shades of Teal
By adjusting the ratios of blue, yellow, and green, you can create many beautiful teal shades:
– Blue-green teal – More blue than green, a cooler teal
– Green-blue teal – More green than blue, a warmer teal
– Dark teal – Adds more blue and green for a deeper shade
– Light teal – Adds white to lighten the shade
Altering the ratio of primary colors used is how you make lighter, darker, warmer, or cooler teal shades.
Using Complementary Colors
Teal’s complementary color on the color wheel is reddish-orange. This means teal and reddish-orange contrast strongly with each other.
Combining teal with its complement can create very striking color schemes. For example, teal text on a reddish-orange background helps the text pop. Or orange accents in a teal room adds visual interest.
Complementary colors intensify each other, so they should be used carefully to maintain balance. Smaller amounts of the complementary color work best to accent the main teal color.
Tones, Tints and Shades of Teal
In addition to mixing different ratios of primary colors, teal can also be lightened, darkened or softened in other ways:
– Tones – Add gray to teal to create a more muted, softer tone
– Tints – Add white to lighten teal into pastel tints
– Shades – Add black to create darker teal shades
These variations work with any hue like teal to generate a wide spectrum of possibilities.
A soft teal tone can feel restful and soothing. Pastel teal tints work well in a baby room. Deep, dark teal shades convey mystery and drama.
Teal Around the World
Interestingly, teal has very different cultural meanings around the world. In many Western cultures, teal symbolizes:
– Calmness
– Healing
– Protection
– Femininity
– Sophistication
These positive qualities make teal a popular color in spas, bedrooms, and upscale retailers.
But in some parts of Asia, teal is associated with sickness, misfortune and discord. In China and Japan, teal is considered unlucky. It’s fascinating how interpretations of the same color can vary globally.
Teal in Marketing
Despite negative associations in some Asian cultures, teal remains an extremely popular commercial color in the Western world.
Marketers leverage its positive qualities to:
– Promote relaxation in spas, hotels, and therapy services
– Suggest natural or holistic products
– Appeal to higher-income feminine consumers
– Communicate trust, security and stability for financial brands
Teal is seen as upscale without being pretentious. Its balance of blue calmness and green vibrancy provides brands with a versatile secondary color.
Teal Gemstones
Natural teal gemstones are quite rare, with turquoise being the most well-known. Turquoise ranges from sky blue to greenish-blue, similar to teal.
Other natural stones that come in teal shades include:
– Aquamarine – A greenish-blue beryl
– Amazonite – A green tectosilicate mineral
– Variscite – A hydrated aluminum phosphate mineral
– Chrysocolla – A blue-green copper hydrated silicate
Synthetic gems can also replicate the teal color, such as blue-green agate or teal-dyed quartz. While not as valuable as naturally teal stones, these manufactured gems make teal more accessible.
Teal in Nature
Beyond gemstones, teal shades commonly occur in plants and animals throughout nature. For examples:
– Peacock feathers
– Tropical fish like betta fish or small tetra fish
– The ocean where water absorbs blue from the sky
– Coniferous tree needles like spruce, pine or fir trees
– Fruits like grapes, figs, and blackberries as they ripen
– Eggs from birds like ducks, chickens, and robins
Analyzing these examples indicates teal arises where blue and green overlap in the natural world. It represents the mingling of land and sea, sky and earth.
Teal Clothing
In fashion and clothing, teal is a flattering color for many people. Its mix of cool blue undertones and lively green results in a versatile shade that pairs well with other colors.
Teal clothing flatters a range of skin tones. Those with warm golden undertones can wear teal to contrast and highlight their complexion. Meanwhile, people with cool pinkish undertones match harmoniously with teal.
Across seasons, teal works both as a refreshing color in spring/summer, and a festive color for fall/winter holiday celebrations.
Home Decor With Teal
For home interiors, teal makes a beautiful accent color. It has an upscale, tropical feel that instantly livens up any room.
Try these tips for decorating with teal at home:
– Paint one focal wall in a teal shade
– Choose teal pillows, throws, or area rugs to add pops of color
– Display teal glassware like vases, cups or bowls
– Add a teal lampshade or other lighting fixtures
– Use teal in a powder room, spa bathroom or bedroom
– Pair with navy blue and yellow for a nautical theme
Remember to balance teal accents with plenty of neutral whites, beiges, and grays. Teal works best sparingly to provide signature style without overwhelming a space.
Teal Car Colors
In automotive colors, teal appeals to drivers who want a car that stands out. It provides vibrancy while retaining an upscale, non-flashy sensibility.
Some popular teal car color names include:
– Callaway Green
– Hurricane Teal
– Mystichrome
– Sonic Teal
– Dark Pine Green
– Deep Lagoon Blue
Compared to mainstream choices like white, black, grey and silver, teal vehicles display more of the owner’s personality. Teal customized cars and trucks demonstrate creativity and confidence.
Conclusion
Teal is a multipurpose tertiary color blending the primary hues blue and yellow-green. By adjusting the ratio of its component colors, teal can be lightened, darkened, cooled or warmed into a wide spectrum of shades.
While avoided in some Asian cultures, teal is widely beloved in the Western world for its soothing yet invigorating vibe. It bridges land and sea, sky and earth, feminine and masculine. Teal’s balance provides endless possibilities to utilize it creatively across all industries.
Whether in gemstones, nature, fashion, decor or cars, teal makes a statement while still retaining an air of wisdom and professionalism. Unlocking the secrets of this sophisticating shade allows us to employ it effectively in any context.
