Teal is a medium blue-green color that is located between green and blue on the color wheel. When looking at the RGB (red, green, blue) values that make up teal, it has more green than blue, but also a significant amount of blue. This places it closer to green, but teal remains distinctly separate from a true green. The exact hue of teal can vary depending on the amount of blue versus green.
Teal’s RGB Values
In the RGB color model, colors are created by mixing varying amounts of red, green, and blue light. Teal is created by mixing a greater amount of green light with a smaller but still significant amount of blue light. Here are some example RGB values for teal colors:
| Teal Color | RGB Values |
|---|---|
| Dark Teal | R: 0, G: 128, B: 128 |
| Teal | R: 0, G: 128, B: 128 |
| Light Teal | R: 0, G: 178, B: 178 |
As you can see, the green value is higher than the blue value in all of these teal shades. But the blue value still plays an important role in distinguishing teal from a true green.
Teal Versus Green on the Color Wheel
On the standard color wheel, teal is located between green and blue. It sits closer to green, but the presence of blue separates it from being a pure green. Here is an approximate location of teal on the color wheel:
[Insert color wheel image showing teal between green and blue]
While teal is closer to green, the dash of blue makes a distinctive difference. Without that blue component, teal would shift into a green shade like lime green. The blue transforms it into a cooler, more tranquil blue-green color.
Similar Colors to Teal
When evaluating what color teal is closest to, here are some of the most similar shades:
- Sea Green: Has more green than teal and very little blue. Darker and deeper than teal.
- Aqua: Has more blue than teal. Crisper and brighter.
- Turquoise: More blue and green balanced. Slightly more blue than teal.
- Mint Green: A green with just a hint of blue, lighter than teal.
Sea green and aqua sit on either side of teal on the color wheel. Turquoise is quite close as it also balances blue and green, just with a bit more blue. Mint green has a similar green base but very subtle blue tones.
How Teal Got Its Name
The name “teal” for this medium blue-green color comes from the common teal bird. The feathers of the male teal have beautiful green and blue iridescence. This mix of blue and green inspired the color name.
Some key facts about teal birds:
- There are a few species of teal ducks that all have green and blue feathers.
- Teal are small freshwater ducks found in wetlands across North America, Europe, and Asia.
- The male teal displays shiny green, blue, and chestnut feathers during mating season.
- Its green-blue coloration provided the basis for naming the color teal.
So the next time you refer to the color teal, you can think back to this small but vibrant duck!
Using the Color Teal
When using teal as a design color, it has a mix of associations from its green and blue components. Green evokes nature, renewal, and environmentalism. Blue conjures a sense of tranquility, calmness, and coolness.
Some typical uses of teal color:
- Environmental organizations
- Medical facilities
- Spas and wellness brands
- Spiritual or meditation related businesses
- Water, aquatic life, or beach-related themes
Teal works well for branding that wants to be perceived as trustworthy and sincere. It has a balance of being vibrant without being overpowering. Use teal when you want a color that is refreshing yet still professional.
Conclusion
When evaluating what color teal is closest to, it falls somewhere between green and blue but skews closer to green. The presence of blue separates it from being a true green. It is most similar to shades like sea green, turquoise, aqua, and mint green. Teal gets its name from a green and blue duck. It can be used effectively for environmental, medical, spa, aquatic, or spiritual branding.
