There are many different shades of the color blue that have specific names. Blue is a popular color that is associated with openness, wisdom, and stability. The wide variety of blue shades means there are quite a few different terms used to refer to different shades of this color. In this article, we will explore some of the most common words used to describe shades of blue and look at some examples of each shade.
Primary Blue Shades
Some of the most basic shades of blue are the primary colors that make up the foundation of the blue family. Here are a few of the major words used for key blue shades:
Navy Blue – This very dark shade of blue got its name because it resembles the dark blue color used on sailor’s uniforms in the British Royal Navy. Navy blue is a rich, deep, and sophisticated color.
Royal Blue – Slightly brighter than navy blue, royal blue is named after the British royal family and their traditions. It symbolizes richness and elegance.
Sky Blue – As the name suggests, this light and bright shade of blue resembles the daytime sky. It has a crisp, cheerful vibe.
Baby Blue – A pastel tint of sky blue, baby blue has feminine, gentle connotations. It is meant to evoke the colors often used for baby boys.
Blue Color Combinations
By mixing primary shades of blue with other colors, we get vibrant blue tones like:
Turquoise – This lively blue-green color reminds people of the gemstone and clear tropical waters.
Teal – Teal is created by combining blue and green pigments. This cool tone is often seen in nature.
Indigo – Mixing blue and violet results in rich indigo, the shade of blue that gives blue jeans their classic color.
Cerulean – Adding a touch of cyan creates cerulean, a calm sky-inspired shade of blue.
Unique Blue Tones
There are also some unusual shades of blue with very specific names:
Cornflower Blue – This medium blue tone is named after the vibrant blue cornflowers found in European gardens.
Denim Blue – As its name indicates, this is the typical blue used for dyeing denim fabric and manufacturing jeans.
Egyptian Blue – This ancient, greenish-blue pigment was used in ancient Egyptian art and decoration.
Han Blue – A historic shade developed during China’s Han dynasty, it continues to be produced for restoration projects.
Blue Color Uses
Different shades of blue are associated with different industries, products, and purposes:
| Blue Shade | Typical Uses |
|---|---|
| Navy Blue | Military and police uniforms, corporate business suits |
| Royal Blue | Luxury products, first class airline seats |
| Sky Blue | Healthcare scrubs, angel imagery, cloudless skies |
| Baby Blue | Layette clothing, nursery decor, baby shower themes |
| Turquoise | Casual fashion, beach and surf style, Southwest decor |
| Teal | Nature palette artwork, paired with earth tones |
| Indigo | Denim jeans, handicraft textiles, tie-dye patterns |
| Cerulean | Men’s dress shirts, serene watercolor art |
Psychology of Blue
The different shades of blue also provoke psychological reactions. Here are some of the key associations with major blue tones:
Navy Blue – confidence, intelligence, stability
Royal Blue – wealth, superiority, coldness
Sky Blue – clarity, calm, virtue
Baby Blue – innocence, fragility, sweetness
Turquoise – balance, revitalization, sophistication
Teal – renewal, sophistication, balance
Indigo – intuition, heritage, antiquity
Cerulean – introspection, solitude, spirituality
Blue in Branding
Major corporations often select specific blue shades for their brand identities and marketing:
| Company | Signature Blue |
|---|---|
| Facebook Blue | |
| Tiffany & Co. | Tiffany Blue |
| Ford | Ford Blue |
| Lowe’s | Lowe’s Blue |
| American Express | Amex Blue |
| AT&T | AT&T Blue |
| Orbitz | Orbitz Blue |
| IKEA | IKEA Blue |
These custom blue tones help brands build instant recognition and loyalty among customers.
Famous Blue Gemstones
There are a number of precious gemstones that exhibit beautiful shades of blue:
Sapphire – Sapphires come in all shades of blue from pale sky tones to deep navy. The most coveted and expensive are a rich royal blue.
Blue Diamond – Natural blue diamonds are extremely rare. The vivid blue color comes from the mineral boron within the stone’s structure.
Tanzanite – This blue-violet gemstone is found only in Tanzania. Large, high-clarity stones exhibit a spectacular blue color.
Blue Zircon – Zircon is an underrated gem that can display brilliant blue shades resembling aquamarine.
Blue Topaz – The best quality blue topaz has a striking Swiss blue color. Topaz is a more affordable blue gem.
Blue Tourmaline – This blue variety of tourmaline is known as indicolite. It ranges from light pastel blue to a dark vivid blue.
Conclusion
There are countless ways to describe the varied shades and tints of blue that exist. From cool navy tones to bright sky hues, blue is a versatile color with many names and meanings. The specific nuances of different types of blue also provoke psychological reactions and help brands build recognition. Blue remains a universally appealing color that adds richness, depth, and beauty to our world.