Bottle green and emerald green are two similar shades of green that are often used interchangeably. However, while they may look alike at first glance, bottle green and emerald green are distinct colors with some key differences.
Defining Bottle Green
Bottle green is a dark shade of green that gets its name from its resemblance to the color of glass wine bottles. As a basic definition, bottle green sits between forest green and olive green on the color spectrum. It is generally considered a cooler, bluer shade of green.
The hex code for bottle green is #006A4E. This refers to the mix of RGB (red, green, blue) values that make up the bottle green color. Specifically, bottle green is composed of 0% red, 42% green, and 31% blue.
Bottle green is sometimes called pine green as well, referring to the color of pine trees. It is a very deep, rich shade of green that has blue undertones. Bottle green gets darker as more black is added to the mix. When used in design, bottle green conveys a sense of tradition, nature, wealth, and renewal.
Defining Emerald Green
Emerald green is also a rich, deep shade of green. However, it contains more yellow undertones compared to bottle green. The hex code for emerald green is #50C878. This corresponds to 31% red, 78% green, and 47% blue.
As the name suggests, emerald green gets its color from emeralds. It is the signature color used in the gemstone. Emerald green is sometimes likened toKelly green, which refers to the family name of the gemstone miners who found particularly vibrant green emeralds.
Emerald green evokes a sense of wealth, rebirth, and tranquility. It is associated with nature and the bright green hues found in forests and meadows during springtime. The yellow undertones distinguish emerald green from bottle green and other blue-tinged greens.
Key Differences
While bottle green and emerald green may appear similar at first glance, there are some notable differences between the two shades:
- Bottle green is a cooler, bluer shade of green, while emerald green is warmer with more yellow undertones.
- The hex code for bottle green is #006A4E, compared to #50C878 for emerald green.
- Bottle green is darker and contains more blue (31% blue in its hex code). Emerald green has more green and yellow (78% green, 31% red).
- Bottle green conveys a traditional, forest green look. Emerald green appears brighter and more vibrant.
- Bottle green is named after the color of glass bottles. Emerald green comes from the color of the emerald gemstone.
These differences result in bottle green having a darker, cooler, more muted appearance compared to the richer emerald green. However, the colors can look similar in certain lighting conditions when viewed from a distance.
Comparing Bottle Green vs. Emerald Green
The best way to see the differences between bottle green and emerald green is to directly compare them side by side. Here are some examples that highlight the distinct shades of these two similar green colors:
Color Swatches
Looking at color swatches is a great way to directly compare bottle green and emerald green:
| Bottle Green | Emerald Green |
|---|---|
This makes the subtle differences very apparent – bottle green appears cooler and darker, while emerald green looks brighter and contains more yellow.
Everyday Objects
Seeing bottle green and emerald green on everyday objects also highlights the different shades:
| Bottle Green | Emerald Green |
|---|---|
 |
 |
| Wine Bottle | Emerald Gemstone |
The rich pine green tone of the bottle contrasts with the vibrant jewel tone of the emerald. This demonstrates why each color gets its name.
Similar Objects
Even when bottle green and emerald green are used on similar objects, subtle differences emerge:
| Bottle Green Dress | Emerald Green Dress |
|---|---|
 |
 |
The bottle green dress has a cooler, forest green tone. The emerald green dress appears lighter and contains more yellow undertones.
When to Use Bottle Green vs. Emerald Green
Because of their slightly different shades, bottle green and emerald green each give off slightly different impressions. Some guidelines on when to use bottle green vs. emerald green include:
- Bottle green – Conveys tradition, prestigious, refined; gives a classic forest green impression
- Emerald green – Appears brighter and more vivid; gives a sense of rebirth, vitality, and wealth
- For a conservative, sophisticated look, opt for bottle green
- To make something stand out, emerald green is more vibrant and eye-catching
- Bottle green pairs well with warm metals like gold or brass
- Emerald green looks great with silver and cooler gray metals
Of course, there are always exceptions. But in general, these guidelines help inform when one shade of green is preferable over the other depending on the context and desired impression.
Conclusion
In summary, bottle green and emerald green are distinct shades of green that have some key differences:
- Bottle green is a cooler, darker green with blue undertones
- Emerald green is brighter and contains more yellow
- The hex codes differ, with more blue in bottle green and more green/yellow in emerald green
- Bottle green conveys tradition, while emerald green appears more vibrant
- However, the two greens can look similar under some conditions
Both bottle green and emerald green are rich, beautiful shades of green. Understanding their subtle differences allows for selecting the perfect green tone for any design or application.
So in summary – bottle green and emerald green are close but distinct shades. They share similarities but have unique characteristics that set them apart from each other.