Pink is a color that resides between red and purple on the visible wavelength spectrum. The wavelength range for light seen as pink is between about 620-750 nanometers (nm). To understand where pink falls on the spectrum, it’s helpful to first understand some basics about light and color.
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
Visible light that humans can see is part of the electromagnetic spectrum, which encompasses all electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic spectrum ranges from radio waves with long wavelengths and low frequencies to gamma rays with short wavelengths and high frequencies. Visible light makes up only a small portion of the full electromagnetic spectrum.
The visible spectrum runs from about 380-750 nm. The longest visible wavelengths around 380 nm are seen as violet and purple colors. As the wavelength gets shorter, the color shifts to blue, green, yellow, orange, and finally red around 620-750 nm. The colors blend smoothly into each other across the spectrum.
How Wavelength Relates to Color
The specific color we perceive depends on the wavelength of the light. Shorter wavelength light appears blue or violet, while longer wavelengths appear red. In the middle of the visible range we see green and yellow.
When all the colors of the visible spectrum are combined together, they produce white light. The sun produces light with a broad range of wavelengths across the visible spectrum, which gives it a white appearance. Objects appear different colors because they absorb some wavelengths and reflect others back to our eyes.
For example, a banana appears yellow because it absorbs wavelengths associated with blue, violet, and orange light. It reflects back wavelengths near the green-yellow portion of the spectrum around 550 nm. Similarly, an apple looks red because it reflects back longer red wavelengths around 650 nm.
Where Pink Fits In
Pink is a mix of red and violet light. It falls between the red and violet ends of the visible spectrum. When we see pink, our eyes are detecting a combination of longer red wavelengths and shorter violet wavelengths.
There is no single wavelength that corresponds to the color pink. It covers a range of wavelengths between about 620-750 nm. 620 nm is a bluish pink near the edge of the red end of the spectrum. As the wavelength increases toward 750 nm, the pink becomes more vivid and red.
| Color | Wavelength Range |
|---|---|
| Violet | 380-450 nm |
| Blue | 450-495 nm |
| Green | 495-570 nm |
| Yellow | 570-590 nm |
| Orange | 590-620 nm |
| Red | 620-750 nm |
| Pink | 620-750 nm |
As seen in the table, pink spans the same range as red from 620-750 nm, but is considered a distinct color between red and purple.
Pink Color Perception
The perception of pink is also influenced by the way our eyes and brain process color signals. We have special photoreceptor cells called cones that are sensitive to different wavelength ranges. Signals from the cone cells are combined in the visual cortex of our brain.
We have cones that are most sensitive to short (blue), medium (green), and long (red) wavelengths. Pink activates the red cones strongly but also stimulates the blue cones to a lesser extent. Our brain combines these signals to produce the sensation of pink.
So in a sense, pink could be considered a Product of how the eye and brain interpret the visual world rather than a color with a single corresponding wavelength. It arises from moderate red cone activation combined with weaker blue cone signals.
Pink Filters and Dyes
We can also produce the color pink using filters or dyes that selectively transmit the right wavelength ranges. For example, a pink filter will allow long red wavelengths and shorter violet/blue wavelengths to pass through while absorbing green and yellow light.
Pink dyes and pigments work by a similar principle. They reflect back red and violet/blue light to our eyes while absorbing light in the yellow, green, and orange range. This gives an overall sensation of pink when illuminating with white light.
Uses of the Color Pink
Because pink straddles the line between red and purple, it can evoke associations with both colors. Red is known to convey passion and excitement. Purple meanwhile often represents creativity and imagination. Pink draws upon both sets of connotations.
In color psychology, pink is strongly associated with femininity, love, and romance. It is thought to have a calming, soothing effect. Pink shades are very commonly used for products aimed at women and girls, as well as for romantic products like Valentine’s day goods. The color is also popular for floral bouquets and wedding motifs.
Brighter pink shades are energetic and fun, making them popular for children’s items like toys and clothing. Light pinks are sometimes viewed as innocent, which has resulted in their use for girls’ products and baby clothes. Darker dusty pinks are more muted and mature.
In fashion, pink is ubiquitous in women’s clothing and accessories. It remains a staple color for feminine styles, makeup, handbags, and jewelry. Both bold hot pinks and soft pastel pinks see frequent use.
Beyond its associations with romance and femininity, pink carries several other connotations:
- Playfulness – often used for children’s items to add a fun, energetic mood
- Nurturing – employed in products related to motherhood and caring due to its soothing effect
- Sweetness – pastel pinks evoke candy, desserts, and candyfloss
- Youth and innocence – lighter pinks give a young, naïve impression
Because pink is distinctive and strongly tied to femininity, it is very effective for branding and marketing when targeting a female demographic. Researchers have found packaging color is particularly important for influencing women’s purchasing decisions.
Pink in Nature
While pink may be most prominent in man-made products, flowers, and clothing, the color also appears in some rare examples throughout nature:
- Pink flowers – roses, peonies, cherry blossoms, carnations
- Pink fruit – guavas, dragonfruit, rhubarb, pomegranates
- Pink animals – flamingos, insects, snakes, birds
- Pink lakes – Lake Hillier in Australia has vivid pink water from algae
- Pink sand – some tropical beaches have pink sand containing red coral remnants
Pink flowers and fruit contain natural plant pigments called anthocyanins. These pigments reflect pink and red light. Some pink animals gain their color from the food they eat, like flamingos and insects that accumulate pink carotenoid pigments.
Conclusion
In summary, pink is a distinct color between red and purple on the visible light spectrum. It spans a wavelength range from about 620-750 nm.
Pink arises from a mix of long red wavelengths and shorter violet/blue wavelengths. It activates both the red and blue photoreceptor cones in the eye, with signals combined in the brain to produce the perception of pink.
This color is strongly associated with femininity and love. It provides fun and energetic vibes in bright shades and more gentle, soothing impressions in lighter versions. Pink holds appeal for women, girls, and products related to romance, fashion, and nurturing.
So while pink may not correspond to a single wavelength, its blend of red and violet light produces a uniquely exciting, playful, and powerful color sensation.
