What Color is Black Hills Gold
Black Hills Gold is a desaturated, warm hue that occupies the space between terracotta and dusty rose. This color conveys a sense of ruggedness and refinement, offering a grounded aesthetic that feels both antique and contemporary. It represents the copper-rich alloys used in traditional American jewelry.
What color is opposite Black Hills Gold?
The opposite color to Black Hills Gold is Glacier (#7eb7c8).
Additional Information
- Color Family: Red
- Temperature: Warm
- Associated Season: Spring
- Complementary Color: #7EB7C8
- Brightness: 160/255
- Saturation: 36%
Colors That Pair Well With Black Hills Gold
Complementary
Pair with Glacier for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Bismark 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)
Black Hills Gold History
The origin of this specific shade dates back to the 1870s during the South Dakota Gold Rush. Legend attributes the creation of Black Hills Gold jewelry to Henri LeBeau, a French goldsmith who designed the iconic grape and leaf motifs. The color #C89180 specifically mimics the rose gold component of these pieces, which is achieved by mixing pure gold with copper to create a warm, pinkish glow.
In broader art history, pigments similar to this shade were derived from hematite and red ochre mixed with white minerals. These tones were prevalent in Renaissance frescoes to depict natural skin tones and earthen landscapes. The color reflects the oxidation process of metals, bridging the gap between raw mineral states and finished luxury goods.
Meaning & Psychology
This hue evokes deep feelings of comfort and reliability. Because it lacks the high-energy aggression of primary red, it functions as a stabilizing force in visual compositions. It suggests a connection to the earth and a respect for craftsmanship, making it a preferred choice for brands that want to emphasize legacy and tactile quality.
Culturally, the color represents a mature femininity that is unpretentious and approachable. It carries an emotional weight of nostalgia, reminding viewers of sun-baked landscapes or heirloom treasures. It is often used in environments intended to reduce anxiety and foster a sense of security.
In Nature
In the natural world, this shade is frequently found in the sediment and sandstone formations of the American West, particularly within the Badlands. It appears in the dried petals of fading desert flora and the plumage of certain mountain birds during the golden hour. The color also manifests in the crust of iron-rich rocks as they undergo weathering and mineral transition.
How To Use Black Hills Gold
In professional design, this color serves as a sophisticated neutral that adds warmth without overwhelming the viewer. It provides excellent contrast when paired with cool forest greens or deep charcoal grays. It is a popular choice for branding in the wellness and organic skincare industries because it feels skin-adjacent and healthy.
From an accessibility standpoint, designers must ensure high readability by pairing this shade with very dark text or using it as a background for high-contrast elements. It is highly effective for accents in interior design, such as textiles or pottery, where it can make a modern, minimalist space feel more inviting and inhabited.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Prairie Sunset
A collection of warm, earthy tones inspired by the horizons of the American West.
Artisan Metal
A high-end palette reflecting the mixed alloys of heritage jewelry.
Desert Botanical
Muted organic shades that pair sun-baked earth with hardy vegetation.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #C89180;
color: rgb(200, 145, 128);
background-color: #C89180;
border: 3px solid #C89180;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #C8918066;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #C89180 0%, #ffffff 100%);

Shop Premium Products in Black Hills Gold
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 Black Hills Gold?
Explore color palettes containing Black Hills Gold and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Analogous
Complementary
Split-complementary
Monochromatic
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 Red colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Black Hills Gold
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Black Hills Gold?
What colors go with Black Hills Gold?
Is Black Hills Gold accessible for text?
How do I use Black Hills Gold in CSS?
You can use Black Hills Gold in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.black-hills-gold {
background-color: #C89180;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.