What 2 Colors Make Navy Blue?
Navy blue is a deep, rich shade of blue that is often associated with professionalism, trust, and authority. But have you ever wondered what two colors make up this iconic shade? In this article, we’ll dive into the world of color theory to explore the answer to this question.
The Meaning of Navy Blue
Before we get into the pigments that make up navy blue, let’s examine the meaning behind this captivating color. Navy blue has a long history, originating from the British Royal Navy in the 18th century. The color has since become synonymous with masculinity, sophistication, and gravitas. In the military, navy blue is typically associated with the United States Navy, while in professional settings, it’s a popular choice for corporate clothing and branding.
Historical Context
To truly understand the composition of navy blue, we need to look back at the colorful history of pigments used in art and design.
- Ancient Greek and Roman Art: Blues were created using lapis lazuli, a natural pigment extracted from thesemi-precious stone called lapis lazuli, which was highly valued by the ancient Greeks and Romans.
- Middle Ages: During the Middle Ages, blues were made with azurite, another natural pigment derived from malachite, a form of copper ore.
- Renaissance Period: The discovery of phthalo blue in the 19th century created a new range of turquoise and blue hues, including navy blue! Phthalo blue contains copper and aluminum, offering a more vibrant and brilliant color.
The Basics of Color Theory
As we explore the composition of navy blue, it’s essential to understand the foundational principles of color theory. Here are the key basics:
- Colorwheel: The colorwheel illustrates how colors are related; it’s a circular system with primary colors (red, yellow, and blue) at the center and secondary colors (orange, green, and purple) created by mixing the primaries.
- Hues: Hues refer to the actual color itself.
- Saturation: Saturation measures the lightness or darkness of the color.
- Saturation: Saturation combines the hue and lightness to create the overall vividness or dullness of the color.
Breakdown of Navy Blue’s Composition
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into what two colors make up navy blue:
| Color | Pigment/Mixture | Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Blue | (Phthalo Blue FS 15 532 20) | Provides rich, deep blue undertone |
| Black (or Dark Gray) | (Carbon Black or Permanent Gray) | Adds density, darkness, and brightness |
Why Navy Blue?
So, why do these specific colors come together to form navy blue? The perfect blend of blue and a dark neutral (black or dark gray) creates navy blue’s distinctive appearance: deep, rich, and dark, yet still blue, with a hint of sparkle.
Conclusion
Exploring the composition of colors like navy blue can often lead to fascinating insights and a deeper understanding of history, art, and psychology. By combining phthalo blue and a darker neutral, we create one of the most iconic color shades in the world.
Additional Tips and Points
- Color Gradients: Navy blue offers a range of shades as it transitions from lightest to darkest. This variability makes it an excellent fit for design and art!
- Color Harmony: Navy blue pairs well with other colors, such as white, gray, light blue, and gold due to its high-level contrast and stability.
- Cultural Significance: Navy blue has become emblematic of trust, maturity, and professionalism, influenced by its historical associations as a symbol of the seafaring and military establishment.
In conclusion, What 2 colors make up navy blue? Pthalo blue and Dark Gray (or Black)!
