Blue is a popular color that is often associated with calmness, stability, and intelligence. Many common objects and natural elements in our world exhibit shades of blue. In this article, we will explore some of the most common things that are usually blue and explain why the color blue is prevalent.
The Sky and Oceans
Two of the most vast and prominent blue elements on Earth are the sky and the oceans. The sky appears blue because of how sunlight interacts with the gases in Earth’s atmosphere. Blue light waves from the sun scatter and spread out more than other color wavelengths when passing through these gases, making the sky look blue to our eyes.
Oceans appear blue for a similar reason – the water absorbs longer wavelengths of light like red and reflects shorter blue wavelengths. Over 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered in oceans, making blue the most abundant color on our planet’s exterior.
Blue Gemstones
Many precious gemstones exhibit blue shades and have been prized by humans throughout history. Here are some of the most popular blue gemstones:
| Gemstone | Color |
|---|---|
| Sapphire | Rich blue |
| Blue topaz | Sky blue |
| Tanzanite | Violet-blue |
| Blue zircon | Brilliant blue |
| Aquamarine | Sea blue-green |
Sapphires come in a range of blue shades from light to dark and have symbolized wisdom, loyalty and nobility. Topaz gems can exhibit blue hues when subjected to irradiation treatment. Tanzanite is a rare violet-blue gemstone only found in one part of Tanzania. Blue zircon has a fiery radiance and has been used in jewelry for thousands of years. Aquamarine has a cool blue-green color like ocean water.
Blue Flowers
Many species of flowers across diverse plant families grow in different hues of blue. Blue pigmentation in flowers primarily comes from anthocyanin pigments. Some examples of blue flowers include:
| Flower | Color |
|---|---|
| Blue iris | Pale to deep blue |
| Hydrangea | Sky blue to purple |
| Bluebell | Violet-blue |
| Cornflower | Bright blue |
| Morning glory | Blue-purple |
Blue irises can range from pale blue to deep indigo and represent faith and hope. Hydrangea blooms can change from pink to blue based on soil pH. Bluebells form tall spikes of bell-shaped violet flowers. Cornflowers have intense blue blosoms and are often seen in dry fields. Morning glories have a short-lived blue and purple bloom that unfurls in the morning.
Blue Foods
While not as common, some foods naturally occur in different shades of blue. Blue foods get their color from natural plant pigments like anthocyanins. Here are some edible blue foods that can be found in nature:
| Food | Color |
|---|---|
| Blueberries | Blue-purple |
| Blue raspberries | Deep blue |
| Blue potatoes | Deep violet-blue |
| Blue corn | Slate blue |
| Blue cheese | Blue-green mold |
Blueberries contain antioxidant anthocyanins that provide their namesake color. Blue raspberries are a rare, extremely vibrant blue variety. Blue potatoes owe their color to anthocyanin antioxidants. Blue corn has a striking bluish-gray hue when dried. Blue cheeses get their distinctive color from specially cultivated mold.
Blue Animals
While not as common in the animal kingdom as other colors, some animals exhibit brilliant blue and blue-green shades. This coloration comes from structural colors as opposed to pigments. Here are some animals that are blue or have blue morphs:
| Animal | Color |
|---|---|
| Blue tang fish | Vibrant blue |
| Blue lobster | Blue-green |
| Blue penguin | Slate-blue |
| Blue-tailed skink | Bright turquoise |
| Blue morpho butterfly | Iridescent blue |
Blue tangs have an electric neon blue color. Blue lobsters are an extremely rare genetic mutation. The little penguin has a distinct bluish shade. Blue-tailed skinks of Australia exhibit an intense bluish-green tail. Blue morpho butterflies flash bright iridescent blue wings.
Human-Made Blue Things
Humans have artificially colored many objects blue for symbolic, aesthetic and practical reasons. Here are some common examples of man-made blue items:
| Item | Color |
|---|---|
| Blue jeans | Indigo blue |
| Blue Inkling | Vivid blue |
| Blue balloons | Various blue tones |
| Blue paint | Different blue shades |
| Blue food dye | Brilliant blue |
Blue jeans have been dyed indigo since the 1800s. Blue ink is commonly used in pens and as a printing color. Rubber balloons can be found in any shade of blue. Paint comes in every possible blue hue. Vivid blue dyes are used to color foods artificially.
The Psychology of Blue
Why is the color blue so prevalent in the world around us? Blue light has shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies than other colors, giving it more energy. Some scientists believe the abundance of blue may have an evolutionary basis, as early humans could more easily spot blue objects that were ripe food items against green foliage backgrounds.
Psychologically, studies show the color blue has a calming effect and evokes feelings of tranquility and security. Blue is associated with depth, stability, wisdom, confidence, and intelligence. It has symbolic connections to trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven. However, too much blue can also evoke sadness or nostalgia. Blue’s soothing qualities make it an ideal color for creating a productive yet calm environment.
Conclusion
In summary, many diverse natural and human-made elements exhibit shades of blue. Blue is prevalent in our skies, oceans, gems, flowers, foods, animals, dyes, inks, paints, and clothing. The prominence of blue stems from its calming yet energetic visual effects. Blue wavelengths stand out against natural green backgrounds. The color blue conjures feelings of tranquility and spirituality while also stimulating vision and productivity. So when you observe something blue in nature or life, appreciate the visual splendor and serenity it evokes.
