What Color is Glaucous
Glaucous is a sophisticated, powdery blue that sits comfortably between slate and periwinkle. Deriving its name from the Latin word for "gleaming" or "gray," it evokes the hazy coating found on fresh fruit. This serene shade offers a calming visual respite, avoiding the intensity of primary blues while maintaining a distinct cool character.
Additional Information
- Color Family: Blue
- Temperature: Cool
- Associated Season: Spring
- Complementary Color: #B79562
- Brightness: 126/255
- Saturation: 47%
Colors That Pair Well With Glaucous
Complementary
Pair with Teak for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Limed Oak 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)
Glaucous History
The term originates from the Ancient Greek glaukos, famously used by Homer to describe the gleaming eyes of the goddess Athena. Unlike colors defined by a specific mineral pigment, Glaucous historically described a quality of light or surface texture before becoming a fixed hue in Latin taxonomy. It was formally recorded as a color name in English in 1671.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, this shade became crucial in botanical illustration to accurately depict the waxy bloom on leaves and succulents. Later, similar matte, milky blues became a staple of Neoclassical design, epitomized by the iconic jasperware created by Josiah Wedgwood.
Meaning & Psychology
Psychologically, Glaucous induces a profound sense of tranquility due to its low saturation and cool temperature. It is often associated with intelligence and clarity of thought, linking back to its etymological roots in wisdom. The gray undertone prevents the color from feeling naive, lending it a mature presence.
However, its coolness can also suggest detachment or reserve if overused in a living space. In branding, this shade bridges the gap between corporate reliability and creative softness, often evoking trust without the rigid authority of navy blue.
In Nature
This color is fundamentally defined by the natural world, specifically the whitish, powdery coating known as epicuticular wax found on plums and grapes. It is the signature color of drought-resistant succulents like agave and Echeveria, serving as a protective barrier against the sun. In the animal kingdom, it appears on the wings of seabirds like Glaucous gulls.
How To Use Glaucous
In interior design, Glaucous acts as a "new neutral," pairing effortlessly with crisp whites, creams, and warm wood tones to create a coastal sophistication. It is particularly effective in bathrooms and bedrooms where a restorative atmosphere is desired. Because it recedes visually, it helps small spaces appear larger.
For digital interfaces, this color serves as an excellent non-intrusive background or secondary button color. However, designers must ensure high contrast when placing text over it; white text is legible, but light gray will vanish. It functions as a softer alternative to standard tech blues in UI design, reducing eye strain while maintaining professionalism among other neutrals.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Athena's Wisdom
A classical palette inspired by Greek antiquity and earthy minerals.
Botanical Bloom
Soft, muted tones derived from succulent gardens and floral waxes.
Coastal Overcast
A high-contrast modern palette evoking a stormy sea and wet sand.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #6082B6;
color: rgb(96, 130, 182);
background-color: #6082B6;
border: 3px solid #6082B6;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #6082B666;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #6082B6 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in Glaucous
Visualize and buy custom cushions made in this exact shade.
Made to order. Ships in 3-5 business days.
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.
- Backing: Stone coloured back (or double-sided print).
- Print: Edge-to-edge 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 Glaucous?
Explore color palettes containing Glaucous and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Analogous
Split-complementary
Monochromatic
Accessibility
Contrast with Black and White
Contrast with Black
UI Examples
This is an example of body text using the selected color scheme.
Contrast Ratio
Contrast with White
UI Examples
This is an example of body text using the selected color scheme.
Contrast Ratio
Closest Color Matches
Similar Colors
View all Blue colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Glaucous
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Glaucous?
What colors go with Glaucous?
Is Glaucous accessible for text?
How do I use Glaucous in CSS?
You can use Glaucous in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.glaucous {
background-color: #6082B6;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.