Gothic Amethyst is a deep, rich purple color that has been popular for jewelry and decor since the Victorian era. The name “Gothic Amethyst” refers to amethyst stones and glass that were popular during the Gothic Revival period of the 19th century. This deep purple shade evokes a sense of luxury and mystery. But what exactly is the hex code and RGB values that define this iconic color? Read on to learn more about the specific hue that makes up Gothic Amethyst.
History of Gothic Amethyst
During the Gothic Revival period of the mid-1800s, deep purple amethyst gemstones and glass were widely used in jewelry and home decor. The Gothic Revival style featured dark, somber colors like black, burgundy, and rich purples. Amethyst was a precious gemstone that fit well with the Gothic aesthetic. Deep purple amethyst from Siberia and South America was popular, often cut into large statement pieces.
Amethyst glass was also mass-produced during this time due to innovations in glass-making technology. High quality amethyst glass could be made to mimic the look of natural amethyst gems. Gothic-style jewelry featuring amethyst glass was more affordable and allowed more people to participate in the trend.
The rich, luxurious purple color that became associated with Gothic Revival style earned the nickname “Gothic Amethyst.” While natural and manufactured amethyst stones fell out of favor by the early 1900s, the Gothic Amethyst color remained a staple in Victorian and Gothic decor.
Defining Characteristics
So what specific shade is Gothic Amethyst? Here are the defining characteristics of this deep purple hue:
- Very dark shade of purple, approaching black
- Has red-violet or blue-violet undertones
- Much darker than average amethyst gemstones
- Deeper and more somber than lavender or lilac
- Evokes imagery of velvet, wine, mysticism, royalty
Compared to various purple shades, Gothic Amethyst stands out for its darkness. It lacks the brightness and clarity of common purple hues like lilac and orchid. Instead, true Gothic Amethyst is extremely deep and muted.
Hex Code and RGB Values
The specific hex code that represents the Gothic Amethyst color is #730E82.
Hex code is a six-digit code that represents colors using the RGB color model. The first two digits represent the amount of red, the middle digits are green, and the last two digits are blue.
#730E82 breaks down to:
- Red: 115 (out of 255)
- Green: 14
- Blue: 130
So this hex code contains a moderately high amount of red and blue, but very little green, resulting in the deep violet shade.
The RGB values for Gothic Amethyst are:
| Red | 115 |
| Green | 14 |
| Blue | 130 |
Comparison to Amethyst Gemstones
While named after the purple amethyst gemstone, Gothic Amethyst is much darker than the average amethyst. Natural amethyst gems are often a lighter, cooler lavender hue rather than an extremely deep purple.
The RGB values of an average amethyst gemstone may be closer to:
| Red | 153 |
| Green | 102 |
| Blue | 204 |
As you can see, standard amethyst has significantly more blue undertones and luminosity than Gothic Amethyst. The richer, darker Gothic Amethyst evokes a very different mood.
Uses in Design
What are some ways Gothic Amethyst is used in modern design? This dramatic hue works well in these applications:
- Interior decor – Walls, upholstery, curtains, rugs
- Fashion and textiles – Dresses, coats, ties, hats
- Cosmetics – Lipstick, nail polish, eyeshadow
- Florals – Florist ribbons, wreaths, flower arrangements
- Jewelry – Beads, cabochons, pendant settings
- Stained glass
- Ceramics and pottery
- Candles
Gothic Amethyst provides an air of luxury and intrigue when used in home decor. In fashion, it makes a bold, dramatic statement. Florists and floral designers appreciate this hue for creating mood in romantic or memorial arrangements. Overall, Gothic Amethyst is a versatile color that serves many creative purposes.
Color Combinations
What colors pair well with the striking Gothic Amethyst shade? Here are some complementary colors:
- Black – Heightens the sense of drama and mystique
- White – Provides contrast and illuminates the depth of the purple
- Gold – Adds glamour and sophistication
- Burgundy – Coordinates as a fellow deep, red-toned purple
- Navy blue – A rich, cool accent
- Forest green – An earthy, vintage-inspired pairing
Avoid bright, clashing shades like neon colors, loud pinks, oranges and yellows. Stick with dark, muted hues or neutral metallics and earth tones. Gothic Amethyst also pairs beautifully with shades of gray for a monochromatic look.
Alternative Names
Over the decades, Gothic Amethyst has also been known by other lyrical names that evoke its lush, regal quality:
- Byzantium
- Tyrian purple
- Royal purple
- Emperor’s purple
- King’s purple
- Cardinal purple
- Mulberry
These alternative names often refer to the color’s historical use by nobility and high religious officials. The “Tyrian” and “Byzantium” names indicate a color originating in ancient Tyre and Byzantium, where purple dye was produced at great expense for rulers and elites.
Gothic Amethyst in Culture
Beyond its origins in the Victorian Gothic Revival era, Gothic Amethyst remains a significant shade in literature, movies, and other cultural works:
- Associated with magic and mysticism
- Used to depict creativity, imagination, wisdom
- Represents power, ambition, luxury, nobility
- Evokes feelings of nostalgia when used in period piece films and TV
- Seen in fantasy works referencing medieval royalty
You may spot Gothic Amethyst as the color of cloaks, gowns, thrones, magical artifacts, and more in fictional works of fantasy and historical fiction. It conveys richness, decadence, and often has connotations of the supernatural or occult.
Conclusion
With its deep red-violet hue and long history stemming from the Victorian era, Gothic Amethyst stands out as a dramatic, evocative color. The specific hex code #730E82 uniquely defines this rich purple shade. While the name ties it to amethyst gemstones, Gothic Amethyst is substantially darker and moodier. This versatility allows it to add a touch of luxury, awe, or mystery wherever it is used, from interior design to creative works of fiction. Next time you encounter the Gothic Amethyst color, you’ll know exactly what mix of red, purple and blue makes up its somber, romantic hue.
