Aztec Brick

#9E8352

Orange Family →

What Color is Aztec Brick

Aztec Brick is a weathered, mid-tone earthy hue that sits between gold and brown. It evokes a sense of antiquity and stability. This shade functions as a sophisticated neutral with a warm, sun-baked undertone and a tactile quality.

What color is opposite Aztec Brick?

The opposite color to Aztec Brick is Waikawa Gray (#516c9e).

View Waikawa Gray

Additional Information

  • Color Family: Orange
  • Temperature: Warm
  • Associated Season: Autumn
  • Complementary Color: #516C9E
  • Brightness: 133/255
  • Saturation: 48%

Colors That Pair Well With Aztec Brick

Complementary

Pair with Waikawa Gray for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.

#9E8352#516c9e

High Contrast

Use Waikawa Gray for maximum readability. Ideal for text or critical UI elements.

#9E8352#617cad

Harmonious Depth

Use lighter and darker shades for a sophisticated, cohesive design. Great for backgrounds, text, and subtle accents.

#c5b597#4f4229

Aztec Brick History

Historically, this shade relates to the use of ochre and limonite pigments found in the Valley of Mexico. Pre-Columbian civilizations used these mineral-based dyes to decorate stucco walls and ceramics, creating a visual link to the land and the foundational element of clay. During the colonial era, these pigments were often mixed with lime to create durable, heat-resistant exterior finishes for architecture.

The 1970s saw a global revival of this specific terracotta spectrum within the earth tone movement, moving away from mid-century synthetic brightness. It remains a staple in Mesoamerican art studies, representing the transition from raw soil to permanent structure. The pigment's longevity is a testament to the endurance of natural mineral bases.

Meaning & Psychology

Aztec Brick projects reliability and groundedness. It lacks the aggression of pure orange, instead offering a sense of warmth that feels protective and established. It is often associated with traditional craftsmanship and the honest nature of handmade goods.

Culturally, it signifies a connection to heritage and the passage of time. Its muted saturation prevents visual fatigue, making it an ideal choice for fostering calmness in high-traffic environments. It is a color that suggests wisdom and maturity rather than fleeting trends.

In Nature

This color appears frequently in sandstone formations and arid landscapes where iron oxide concentrations are moderate. It is the exact shade of sun-dried maize husks and the protective coats of certain predators, such as the cougar, which use it for camouflage in brushlands. The mineral limonite often displays this specific golden-brown saturation when exposed to air.

How To Use Aztec Brick

Use Aztec Brick as a primary neutral in minimalist interiors to add depth without clutter. It pairs effectively with deep teals or charcoals to create a balanced, high-contrast composition. For branding, it communicates authenticity and luxury, particularly for organic or artisanal products.

Ensure sufficient contrast when using this shade for typography; white text may lack legibility, so dark charcoal or black is preferred for accessibility. It works well as a grounding element in complex color palettes, preventing brighter accent colors from feeling overwhelming. It is a versatile tool for creating a sense of permanence in digital design.

Related Words

ochrefoundationalterracottamesoamericanendurancereliabilitywarmthheritagecalmnesswisdomsandstonemaizepredatorslimoniteminimalistcompositionauthenticitycontrastaccessibilityversatile

Curated Palettes

#9E8352
#4A5D4E
#F4EBD0
#7B3F00
#A52A2A

Highland Hacienda

A grounded collection of forest greens and creamy neutrals that highlight the warmth of the brick.

#9E8352
#D4A373
#FAEDCD
#CCD5AE
#E9EDC9

Desert Dusk

Soft, sun-bleached tones that mimic the transition of light over arid canyons.

#9E8352
#C0C0C0
#434343
#B8860B
#2B2B2B

Ancient Metals

A high-contrast industrial palette that pairs organic earth tones with cold metallic surfaces.

Color Conversions

Hex
#9E8352
RGB
158, 131, 82
RGB %
62%, 51%, 32%
HSL
39°, 32%, 47%
HSV
39°, 48%, 62%
CMYK
0%, 17%, 48%, 38%
LAB
56.20, 3.68, 30.26
XYZ
23.74, 24.11, 11.39

Color Blindness Simulation

Normal
Protanopia
Deuteranopia
Tritanopia

CSS Snippets

Text Color (Hex)
Aa
color: #9E8352;
Text Color (RGB)
Aa
color: rgb(158, 131, 82);
Background Color
background-color: #9E8352;
Border
border: 3px solid #9E8352;
Box Shadow
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #9E835266;
Gradient
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #9E8352 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Cushion Mockup
Available to Order Now

Shop Premium Products in Aztec Brick

This isn't just a mockup. We'll custom make high-quality home decor in this exact shade, just for you.

MaterialEco Velvet
Size30cm x 30cm
Color
Aztec Brick

Ships in 3-5 daysSecure Checkout

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 Aztec Brick?

Explore color palettes containing Aztec Brick and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.

Accessibility

Contrast with Black and White

Contrast with Black

UI Examples

"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."

Contrast Ratio

0.00/ 21
Fail
AA Normal Text
Fail
AA Large Text
Fail
AAA Normal Text
Fail
AAA Large Text
Fail
Contrast with White

UI Examples

"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."

Contrast Ratio

0.00/ 21
Fail
AA Normal Text
Fail
AA Large Text
Fail
AAA Normal Text
Fail
AAA Large Text
Fail

Closest Color Matches

Best Match

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Olive Brown 50%

#736#99895F

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Polychromos

raw umber

#180#9A734A

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Prismacolor

Light Umber

#PC941#7F633F

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hex code for Aztec Brick?
The hex code for Aztec Brick is #9E8352. The RGB values are (158, 131, 82). You can find more formats like CMYK and LAB in the Color Conversions section.
What colors go with Aztec Brick?
Aztec Brick pairs well with its complementary color, Waikawa Gray (#516c9e). It also works great with analogous colors (neighbors on the wheel) and triadic combinations. See our recommended pairings for more ideas.
Is Aztec Brick accessible for text?
No, Aztec Brick is not readable on white backgrounds. It is not readable on black backgrounds. For detailed contrast ratios and WCAG scores, check the accessibility section.
How do I use Aztec Brick in CSS?

You can use Aztec Brick in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:

.aztec-brick {
  background-color: #9E8352;
  color: #FFFFFF;
}

For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.