Turquoise is a unique shade of blue-green that has captivated people for centuries. The name comes from the gemstone turquoise, which has been prized since ancient times for its distinctive color. Turquoise gemstones are formed naturally and vary in hue from sky blue to greenish-blue. As a result, there are many shades of blue that can be considered close to turquoise. Determining the blue that is closest ultimately depends on the specific turquoise color being compared.
The Origins of Turquoise
To understand the colors similar to turquoise, it helps to first examine the history and background of turquoise itself. The word “turquoise” dates back to the 16th century and comes from the French term for the gemstone, “pierre tourques”. This refers to the fact that turquoise was first brought to Europe from Turkey. The name later became associated with the vivid blue-green color of the gem.
Natural turquoise forms when water containing phosphorus and copper minerals seeps through rock crevices and deposits. The minerals give turquoise its characteristic color. For thousands of years, turquoise has been mined in places like Iran, Afghanistan, Australia, and the southwestern United States. It was highly valued by many ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Aztecs, Persians, Chinese, and Native Americans. The vibrant, sky-like shades of turquoise made it an important symbol of life, healing, power, and protection.
Even today, turquoise remains a popular gemstone used in jewelry and art. The turquoise color also continues to influence design and fashion. But with so many subtle variations in turquoise hues, ranging from blue to green, finding a blue shade that perfectly matches can be a challenge.
Key Factors in Identifying Close Shades of Blue
When trying to find a blue that resembles turquoise, there are several key considerations:
- Base color: At its core, turquoise is a shade of blue that has been mixed with greens. The base blue hue that the turquoise contains will impact how it looks. Blues on the greenish side are closer to turquoise.
- Lightness/saturation: How light or dark the turquoise color is, along with how muted or saturated it appears, affects similarities. Lighter and muted turquoises will match softer or pale blues.
- Green tones: The specific green pigments and the amount mixed into the blue influence closeness to turquoise. More green content means greener blues will match.
- Context: The surrounding colors that the turquoise is being matched to also matter. A warm, yellow background would bring out more green tones.
With these factors in mind, evaluating the particular turquoise shade is key when trying to identify the closest matching blue. Let’s compare some common turquoise variations to blues.
Light Turquoise
Light or pale turquoises exhibit a soft, icy quality. They contain more white mixed into the blue-green base. These luminous turquoises work well for a relaxed vibe in interiors, clothing, logos, and websites. When trying to match light turquoises, look for powdery or icy blues.
| Light Turquoise | Closest Matching Blue |
|---|---|
| Pastel Turquoise | Baby Blue |
| Mint Turquoise | Duck Egg Blue |
| Tiffany Turquoise | Robin’s Egg Blue |
These muted blue hues incorporate a touch of gray to soften the color. They pick up on the pale hints of sky blue in the light turquoises. Baby blue, duck egg blue, and robin’s egg blue all complement the delicacy of pastel, mint, or Tiffany turquoise shades.
Bright Turquoise
Jewel tones like bright turquoise make bold statements. They contain less white and more saturation. Vibrant turquoises are attention-getting and energetic. Matching these turquoises requires looking for richer blues.
| Bright Turquoise | Closest Matching Blue |
|---|---|
| Persian Turquoise | Cerulean |
| Teal Turquoise | Bondi Blue |
| Electric Turquoise | Blue Raspberry |
Cerulean, bondi blue, and blue raspberry all have vivid intensities like emerald or sapphire. They pick up on the radiant blue undertones of Persian, teal, or electric turquoise hues. The richer blues complement and reinforce the brilliant turquoises.
Green Turquoise
Turquoise on the green side of the spectrum exhibits dominant earthy, green pigments. These turquoises work well in nature-inspired designs. Good blue matches here will also incorporate obvious greenness.
| Green Turquoise | Closest Matching Blue |
|---|---|
| Aqua Turquoise | Blue-Green |
| Jade Turquoise | Blue Spruce |
| Polynesian Turquoise | Blue Lagoon |
Blue-green, blue spruce, and blue lagoon all pick up on the dominant green influences in aqua, jade, or Polynesian turquoise. The blue undertones are muted, allowing the greens to come through. These match the earthy turquoises well.
Dark Turquoise
Rich, darker turquoises convey drama and mystery. Lower lightness gives them a sophisticated edge. To match these turquoises, moody or muted blues work best.
| Dark Turquoise | Closest Matching Blue |
|---|---|
| Egyptian Turquoise | Indigo |
| Maya Turquoise | Navy Blue |
| Turquoise Matrix | Steel Blue |
Indigo, navy, and steel blue all share dark intensities with Egyptian, Maya, and matrix turquoises. Their muted quality focuses on the subtle hints of blue rather than green undertones. The deepness makes these blues adapt well to darker turquoises.
Considering Context
The examples so far demonstrate how the inherent color qualities of different turquoises can be matched to similar blues. However, context also influences how we perceive color relationships. The settings, surroundings, and lighting conditions alter appearances. A turquoise may seem slightly more blue or green depending on its environment.
For example, turquoise gems against warm gold jewelry settings will appear more blue-green. Turquoise fabric under incandescent lighting can take on a richer, moodier quality. The color interactions of adjacent hues in designs and compositions also affect the look of turquoise. Its relationship to complementary oranges or contrasting purples shifts perceptions.
When trying to match turquoise in a specific context, take a step back and examine the big picture. Analyze the lighting, adjacent colors, and overall warmth or coolness of the palette. Then factor these conditions into selecting the blue shade. A turquoise may match a cooler, darker blue in one context and warmer, brighter blue in another.
Finding the Best Blue Match
With so many subtle variations, matching turquoise precisely can be tricky. Here are some final tips for identifying the closest blue:
- Analyze and classify the turquoise – is it light or dark, muted or bright, more blue or green?
- Select blue options that reflect those core turquoise color qualities.
- View blue choices next to the turquoise in similar lighting/settings.
- Compare small color swatches side-by-side for accuracy.
- Look for slight differences in brightness, tone, or hue.
- Pick the blue swatch that disappears into the turquoise.
Taking the time to systematically evaluate and compare blue options to the target turquoise improves accuracy. The closest match essentially becomes invisible against the turquoise when viewed together. This indicates the blue has the most similar visual properties. With a discerning eye and strategic color analysis, finding a blue match for turquoise is achievable.
Conclusion
Turquoise is a one-of-a-kind color with an illustrious history. But despite its name, turquoise leans more toward blue or green depending on the specific shade. Identifying a similar blue ultimately requires assessing the turquoise’s lightness, brightness, and hue. Light turquoises match soft, icy blues; bright turquoises match richer blues; and green turquoises match muted, earthy blues. Darker turquoises pair better with deeper indigo shades. Context also shifts the perceived color. By thoroughly evaluating these factors, it’s possible to find a flattering blue shade – from baby blue to cerulean to navy – with close resemblance to turquoise for any design needs.
