Turquoise is more than just a color; it’s a feeling. Evoking images of crystal-clear oceans and cloudless skies, this mesmerizing blue-green hue has captured our imagination for centuries. But behind its beautiful appearance lies a rich history and a wealth of fascinating details, from its surprising etymology to its powerful effects on human psychology. Join us as we dive into some of the most interesting facts about the color turquoise.
Turquoise is a blue-green color named after the gemstone of the same name, which was first discovered in ancient mines in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt. The color is technically a shade of cyan, which is a primary subtractive color used in printing and is composed of equal parts blue and green light. The gemstone itself has been valued for thousands of years by civilizations across the globe for its opaque, waxy sheen and unique color, which ranges from a bright sky-blue to a deeper, more greenish shade.
On the RGB color model, which is used for digital screens and displays, the color turquoise is created by mixing specific quantities of red, green, and blue light. It is commonly represented by the hex code #30D5C8. In this code, the ’30’ represents the amount of red light, the ‘D5’ represents the amount of green light, and the ‘C8’ represents the amount of blue light. The low red value combined with the high green and blue values results in the vivid blue-green hue that is characteristic of turquoise.
The word “turquoise” is derived from the French word turquois, which translates directly to “Turkish.” This name was given to the gemstone because it was first brought to Europe through Turkey from the mines of Persia, an important trade route in the 17th century. The name is a testament to the stone’s historical journey and its cultural significance as a valued trade item connecting the East with the West.
The color turquoise is widely associated with feelings of happiness, calm, and tranquility due to its connections to nature, specifically the calming shades of the sea and sky. This psychological effect has led to its frequent use in environments designed to promote relaxation and well-being. For example, healthcare facilities, spas, and recreational centers often incorporate turquoise into their decor to create a soothing and welcoming atmosphere that helps reduce stress and anxiety in patients and visitors.
Turquoise is sometimes called by other names that reference its natural appearance, such as Robin’s Egg Blue or Sky Blue. The eggs of American robins, for instance, are known for their distinct, light blue-green shade, which has become a common colloquial name for the color. Similarly, the clear, pale blue of a cloudless sky can often take on a greenish cast, especially near the horizon or under certain atmospheric conditions, making the term Sky Blue an apt description for this vibrant hue.
In interior design, neutral and gray shades are considered ideal companions for turquoise. The neutrality of colors like gray, white, and beige provides a calming foundation that allows the bold and vibrant character of turquoise to stand out without overwhelming a space. This popular combination is often used to create modern and balanced interiors, with a muted base palette accented by splashes of turquoise through items like cushions, curtains, or decorative objects.
According to various studies on color psychology and preference, the color turquoise tends to be more popular among women than men. This preference is often attributed to the fact that blue and green, the two primary components of turquoise, consistently rank as favorite colors in surveys among women. The combination of these two favored colors likely makes turquoise an appealing choice, linking it to the calming and natural associations that both blue and green individually evoke.
Turquoise is a popular color for corporate branding due to its associations with clarity, freshness, and dependability. Many companies, particularly those focused on health, water, or family products, use it to convey a sense of trustworthiness and calm. A prominent example is the baby care brand Pampers, which has incorporated turquoise into its logo and packaging for decades, using the color to symbolize gentleness, cleanliness, and the secure feeling of a new baby.
As a symbol of style and celebration, celebrities walk the Turquoise Carpet every year at the official opening of the Eurovision Song Contest. This unique choice of color sets the event apart from the traditional red carpet associated with film and music awards. The carpet is entirely turquoise, providing a distinctive and vibrant backdrop for the competing artists and delegates to make their grand entrance before the week-long series of events begins.
Several species of butterflies are celebrated for their stunning turquoise colors, which are often not created by pigment but by the microscopic structure of their wings reflecting light. The turquoise blue butterfly (Leptotes plinius) and the turquoise emperor butterfly (Doxocopa laurentia) are both named for their vibrant coloration. Their wings often display an iridescent, shimmering quality that changes in the light, creating a truly spectacular display of color in motion.
The turquoise-browed motmot (Eumomota superciliosa) is a strikingly beautiful bird native to Central America, known for its bright turquoise-colored feathers on its head and tail. Unlike many bird species where only the male displays elaborate plumage, the turquoise-colored tail feathers of the motmot are a unique feature shared by both sexes. This shared trait makes the motmot a rare exception to the typical rule of sexual dimorphism in avian species, where males are more brightly colored to attract a mate.
In 2021, the sea along the west coast of Scotland turned a vivid shade of turquoise, startling local residents and scientists alike. This phenomenon was a type of algal bloom, specifically caused by an explosion of microscopic marine algae called coccolithophores. These tiny organisms are covered in chalky plates that, when present in large numbers, reflect sunlight in a way that gives the water a milky, brilliant turquoise hue, transforming the appearance of the sea.
In the 2013 Disney movie Frozen, Elsa, one of the most popular and iconic Disney princesses, wears a stunning turquoise-colored dress. This dress, which she creates herself with her ice powers, is a central element of her character’s journey of self-discovery. The cool, icy shade of turquoise beautifully complements her powers and the wintry landscape of her ice palace, serving as a visual representation of her magical abilities and her new-found freedom.
Turquoise is a popular color choice for celebrities on the red carpet due to its ability to stand out and make a bold statement. Actresses and singers like Kylie Minogue, Jennifer Lopez, and Sarah Jessica Parker have all been photographed wearing striking turquoise dresses. The color is universally flattering and photographs beautifully, making it a powerful tool for creating memorable and eye-catching looks at high-profile events.
In the 2013 film The Great Gatsby, the color turquoise was deliberately used in the production design to symbolize beauty, opulence, and the lavish, carefree lifestyle of the Jazz Age. The film’s sets and costumes, particularly in scenes depicting extravagant parties, were awash with shades of turquoise, gold, and pink. This artistic choice helped to visually convey the immense wealth and extravagant aesthetics of the roaring twenties while also hinting at the shallowness of the era.
In Vincent van Gogh’s iconic painting The Starry Night, striking shades of turquoise are a key component of the dramatic, swirling sky. The vibrant turquoise hues are used alongside deep blues, dark greens, and yellows to create a sense of movement and emotional intensity. The color is most prominent in the celestial swirls and the glowing moon, where it contrasts with the darker colors to produce a powerful visual effect that is central to the painting’s fame.
In a famous quote, French fashion designer Christian Dior once declared, “The tones of gray, pale turquoise, and pink will prevail.” This statement reflected his forward-thinking vision for a sophisticated and modern color palette. This combination of muted gray, delicate pale turquoise, and soft pink exemplified a harmonious and elegant aesthetic that became a signature of his brand and has since influenced countless interior design and fashion collections.
American singer-songwriter Lainey Wilson has stated that her favorite color is usually turquoise. This personal preference often translates into her public image and style. The choice of turquoise can reflect her connection to the earthy, authentic themes often present in her music and persona, as the color evokes a sense of both the natural world and a vibrant, free spirit, which aligns well with her country music style.
In 2017, a global survey conducted by a paper company found that the world’s favorite color was a blue-green shade named Marrs Green, which is very close to turquoise. The survey received votes from over 30,000 people in more than 100 countries, making the result a truly global consensus. The rich, earthy tone of Marrs Green, a deep green with hints of blue, proved to be the most appealing shade to a wide range of people, confirming the widespread popularity of colors in the turquoise family.
The way turquoise looks when worn can vary significantly depending on a person’s hair color. On individuals with blonde hair, the color tends to appear as a cooler, more contrasting shade, making the turquoise stand out vividly. In contrast, when worn by brunettes or those with dark hair, the color often appears warmer. This effect is due to how the undertones of the turquoise interact with the darker, richer tones in the hair, creating a more cohesive and deeply saturated visual.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Color Turquoise
1. What is the meaning and symbolism of the color turquoise?
Turquoise is a color rich with symbolism, primarily associated with the tranquility of the sea and the expansive sky. It is a symbol of calm, peace, and serenity, often used to create a soothing atmosphere. The color is also strongly linked to feelings of protection, healing, and emotional balance. As a blend of blue’s stability and green’s vitality, turquoise is seen as a color of harmony and rejuvenation. In many cultures, particularly among Native American tribes, the turquoise gemstone is considered sacred and a symbol of wisdom, good fortune, and protection.
2. What colors go well with turquoise?
Turquoise is a highly versatile color that pairs well with a variety of other shades to create different moods and styles in interior design, fashion, and branding.
- Neutral Colors: Pairing turquoise with neutrals like white, gray, beige, and tan creates a modern, clean, and balanced aesthetic. The neutral backdrop allows the turquoise to pop without overwhelming the space.
- Complementary Colors: To create a vibrant and energetic look, turquoise pairs beautifully with its complementary color family, which includes shades of coral, orange, and gold. This combination evokes a tropical or summery feel, reminiscent of a coral reef.
- Rich and Deep Tones: When combined with rich colors like navy blue, deep purple, or dark brown, turquoise adds a layer of sophistication and depth. This palette can feel luxurious and elegant.
- Accent Colors: A touch of yellow, gold, or silver can be used to accent a turquoise-dominant palette. Gold, in particular, adds warmth and a sense of luxury, while silver offers a sleek, modern touch.
3. What is the difference between turquoise, teal, and cyan?
While often used interchangeably, these three colors are distinct shades on the blue-green spectrum, differentiated by their hue, saturation, and lightness.
- Cyan: Cyan is considered a primary color in the CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, key/black) color model used in printing. It is the purest hue, located precisely between blue and green on the color wheel. It is typically a very bright, highly saturated color.
- Turquoise: Turquoise is a blue-green color that takes its name from the gemstone. It is a more muted, less saturated version of cyan. While it sits on the blue-green spectrum, it generally leans slightly more towards the greenish end of cyan and has a medium lightness.
- Teal: Teal is a darker, deeper shade of blue-green. Unlike turquoise, which is often a medium to light tone, teal is a dark tone created by adding black or gray to the color. It is a more subdued and sophisticated color, often used to create a sense of richness and elegance.
4. What is the origin of the word ‘turquoise’?
The word “turquoise” dates back to the 17th century and is derived from the French word turquois, which means “Turkish.” This name was given to the gemstone because it was first brought to Europe through Turkey from mines located in the historical Khorasan province of Persia (modern-day Iran) and Afghanistan. The name is a testament to the gem’s journey along a historic trade route. The first recorded use of turquoise as a color name in English was in 1573.
5. What is the psychological effect of the color turquoise?
In color psychology, turquoise is widely known for its calming and soothing qualities. Its strong association with nature, particularly with tranquil waters and open skies, makes it a color that promotes a sense of peace, balance, and emotional stability. It can also have an invigorating and revitalizing effect, stimulating the mind and encouraging fresh ideas and creativity. For these reasons, turquoise is often used in spaces meant for relaxation, healing, and concentration, such as bedrooms, spas, and offices.
6. What is the symbolism of the turquoise gemstone?
Beyond the color itself, the turquoise gemstone has held deep significance across many ancient and modern cultures. It is considered one of the oldest gemstones in history and is often referred to as a talisman. It is believed to be a stone of protection, often worn to ward off negative energy and bring good luck. Many cultures, including Native American and ancient Persian civilizations, viewed turquoise as a sacred stone that promotes spiritual well-being, wisdom, and healing. It is also often associated with friendship and communication, believed to enhance one’s ability to express themselves clearly and calmly.
