What Color is Lava
Lava is a high-viscosity shade of red that captures the intense heat of molten rock. It sits between true red and crimson, projecting an image of raw power and volatility. Unlike deeper earth tones, this shade radiates an almost electric intensity that demands immediate attention.
Additional Information
- Color Family: Red
- Temperature: Warm
- Associated Season: Autumn
- Complementary Color: #10D1C1
- Brightness: 75/255
- Saturation: 92%
Colors That Pair Well With Lava
Complementary
Pair with Turquoise for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Bright Turquoise 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)
Lava History
Historically, achieving such a vivid red required toxic minerals like Cinnabar, which produced the pigment Vermilion. Used in Ancient Rome and China, this hue symbolized status and divinity, though its mercury content made it dangerous to handle. It wasn't until the synthesis of Cadmium Red in the early 20th century that artists could safely access such a lightfast, fiery tone.
In art history, this intensity is synonymous with the Fauvist movement, where color was divorced from descriptive reality to express raw emotion. Painters like Matisse utilized similar screaming reds to disrupt visual expectations. Today, it remains a symbol of urgency in visual communication, heavily relied upon in warning signals and automotive design.
Meaning & Psychology
Psychologically, this color triggers the most immediate physical response of any hue, elevating heart rates and stimulating arousal. It is the color of survival, signaling both the warmth of fire and the danger of extreme heat. Because it dominates the visual field, it is impossible to ignore, often creating a sense of anxiety or heightened alertness.
Culturally, the meaning shifts from prosperity to peril. In Eastern traditions, bright reds represent luck and celebration, warding off evil spirits. Conversely, in Western contexts, it acts as a universal stop signal, representing prohibition and emergency. It embodies a dual nature of destruction and creation.
In Nature
While the namesake implies molten magma erupting from the earth, this shade appears vividly in biology as a warning signal known as aposematism. Highly toxic creatures, such as the Strawberry Poison Dart Frog, wear this coat to advertise their lethality to predators. It also appears in the floral world, specifically in the petals of the Red Poppy, standing out starkly against green foliage to attract pollinators.
How To Use Lava
In UI/UX design, Lava is the ultimate Call-to-Action color. It should be reserved for "Buy Now" buttons or error states where immediate user attention is required. Because of its visual weight, it creates excellent hierarchy, guiding the eye instantly to the most critical element on the page.
Designers must exercise restraint; overusing this shade causes visual fatigue. For accessibility, ensure it is paired with high-contrast backgrounds like pure white or very dark charcoal. Avoid pairing it with bright green, as this causes vibration and issues for those with color-blindness.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Volcanic Ash
A high-contrast palette mimicking an active eruption against dark rock.
Warning Sign
An industrial palette designed for maximum visibility and safety compliance.
Spiced Clay
A warmer, analogous palette suited for branding and interior design.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #CF1020;
color: rgb(207, 16, 32);
background-color: #CF1020;
border: 3px solid #CF1020;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #CF102066;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #CF1020 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in Lava
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 Lava?
Explore color palettes containing Lava 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
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 Lava
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Lava?
What colors go with Lava?
Is Lava accessible for text?
How do I use Lava in CSS?
You can use Lava in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.lava {
background-color: #CF1020;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.