What Color is Asphalt
Asphalt is a dense, near-black hue characterized by its subtle, warm brown undertones. It represents a state of industrial stability and provides an indomitable anchor for complex visual compositions.
Additional Information
- Color Family: Dark
- Temperature: Warm
- Associated Season: Winter
- Complementary Color: #060F13
- Brightness: 12/255
- Saturation: 68%
Colors That Pair Well With Asphalt
Complementary
Pair with Bunker for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Catskill White for maximum readability. Ideal for text or critical UI elements.
Harmonious Depth
Use lighter and darker shades for a sophisticated, cohesive design. Great for backgrounds, text, and subtle accents.
Color Variations
Tints (add white)
Tones (add grey)
Asphalt History
The origins of this color are rooted in natural bitumen, a semi-solid petroleum substance used as a pigment since antiquity for its rich, transparent qualities. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the pigment known as asphaltum was highly prized by oil painters, yet its chemical instability often led to the physical obsolescence of artworks as the layers never fully dried and eventually cracked. The color's modern identity solidified during the 19th-century industrialization, as coal tar became the primary material for paving urban infrastructure. This transition transformed the shade from an artistic medium into a global symbol of progress and metropolitan connectivity.
Meaning & Psychology
Psychologically, this shade commands a sense of absolute authority without the clinical detachment of a neutral black. The infusion of heat in the undertone provides a foundation of gravitas, making it feel more grounded and reliable than cooler dark tones. It is frequently associated with sophistication and urban luxury, suggesting a level of maturity and hidden strength. In environmental psychology, it functions as a visual weight that can provide security or a sense of mystery depending on its application in light or shadow.
In Nature
In the natural world, this shade is most prevalent in volcanic obsidian and dense basalt formations created by cooling lava. It appears in the depths of water-saturated peat bogs and within certain mineral deposits deep within the earth's crust. While rare in living biological tissues, it manifests in the geological world as a marker of high pressure and ancient carbon cycles.
How To Use Asphalt
In digital design, this color ensures high readability and serves as a softer, more sophisticated alternative to pure black in minimalism movements. It reduces visual fatigue while maintaining the high-contrast ratios required for accessible user interfaces. In architectural contexts, use this shade for hardware or trim to create a sharp contrast against natural stone or wood. It is a strategic choice for luxury branding that aims to communicate heritage, permanence, and high-end engineering.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Industrial Modernism
A sleek, cold-meets-warm palette inspired by urban architecture and steel.
Volcanic Earth
Rich, deep tones found in geothermal landscapes and igneous rock.
Nocturnal Luxury
A high-end combination of deep shadows and metallic accents for branding.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #130A06;
color: rgb(19, 10, 6);
background-color: #130A06;
border: 3px solid #130A06;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #130A0666;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #130A06 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in Asphalt
This isn't just a mockup. We'll custom make high-quality home decor in this exact shade, just for you.
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Product Details
Add a touch of luxury to your home with our premium Eco Velvet cushions. Soft to the touch, these cushions are perfect for adding comfort and style to any room.
- Material: Soft Eco Velvet.
- Feel: Velvety soft finish.
- Print: Double-sided, all-over vibrant color using water-based inks.
- Care: Machine washable at 30°C.
- Construction: Handmade to order with a concealed zipper.
Eco Credentials
We believe in sustainable style. Our cushions are crafted with the planet in mind.
- Made to Order: Produced only when you order, eliminating overproduction and waste.
- Water-Based Inks: Printed using neo-pigment, water-based inks that are non-hazardous, toxin-free, and vegan-friendly.
- Local Fulfilment: Produced locally where possible to reduce carbon emissions from transport.
- Vegan Friendly: No animal products are used in the production of these cushions.
What Goes With Asphalt?
Explore color palettes containing Asphalt and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Analogous
Triadic
Tetradic
Accessibility
Contrast with Black and White
Contrast with Black
UI Examples
"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."
Contrast Ratio
Contrast with White
UI Examples
"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."
Contrast Ratio
Closest Color Matches
Similar Colors
View all Dark colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Asphalt
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Asphalt?
What colors go with Asphalt?
Is Asphalt accessible for text?
How do I use Asphalt in CSS?
You can use Asphalt in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.asphalt {
background-color: #130A06;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.