What Color is Arsenic
Arsenic is a deep, moody gray with a subtle blue undertone that exudes gravity and modern elegance. It is far more complex than a standard charcoal, offering a sense of sophistication that feels both historic and high-tech. This shade represents the metallic sheen of the pure element rather than the toxic greens often associated with its chemical history.
Additional Information
- Color Family: Dark
- Temperature: Cool
- Associated Season: Autumn
- Complementary Color: #4A413A
- Brightness: 66/255
- Saturation: 21%
Colors That Pair Well With Arsenic
Complementary
Pair with Armadillo for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Cotton Seed 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)
Arsenic History
Arsenic as a color name draws from the metalloid element known since antiquity. While the 18th century was defined by the deadly Scheele's Green, the specific gray-blue hue of #3B444B mirrors the raw, crystalline form of the element used in industrial processes. This color became a popular descriptor in the early 19th century as chemistry and pigments became more scientifically categorized.
During the Victorian era, this dark shade was often utilized in metalwork and as a base for oil paints to create depth in atmospheric landscapes. It moved away from the vibrant, dangerous emeralds of the time toward a more stable and utilitarian aesthetic. Today, it stands as a bridge between the gritty reality of the machine age and contemporary digital design.
Meaning & Psychology
This color evokes a feeling of authority and quiet power, commanding respect without the starkness of true black. Because of its linguistic connection to poison, it retains a lingering sense of mystery and calculated danger. It is a color for the intellectual, suggesting a personality that is both serious and deeply perceptive.
In a modern psychological context, Arsenic provides a sense of stability and high-tech efficiency. It lacks the organic warmth of earth tones, instead offering a clinical and detached atmosphere. This makes it an ideal choice for environments where focus and emotional neutrality are required.
In Nature
Arsenic the element is rarely found in its pure state in nature, but its likeness appears in the mineral arsenopyrite, which displays a distinctive, dark metallic luster. This specific shade is also mirrored in the heavy, volcanic basalt found at tectonic boundaries and the turbulent, light-absorbing clouds of a developing supercell. It serves as a stark reminder of the inorganic, powerful forces within the earth’s crust.
How To Use Arsenic
As a designer, use Arsenic as a premium alternative to black for minimalist layouts. It provides excellent contrast for light typography while maintaining a softer, more readable edge for digital interfaces. It is particularly effective in automotive branding or luxury tech packaging to signal high-end craftsmanship.
To ensure accessibility, pair Arsenic with vibrant accents to prevent the design from feeling monolithic or gloomy. In interior design, it works best as an accent color in well-lit spaces, creating a cozy, cocoon-like feeling. When used on textured surfaces like brushed metal or matte plastic, its blue undertones become more pronounced and engaging.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Toxic Sophistication
A high-contrast palette that plays on the historical danger of the element.
Stormy Coast
A moody, atmospheric blend of deep grays and nautical blues.
Industrial Alchemy
Raw, metallic tones that highlight the elemental nature of the color.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #3B444B;
color: rgb(59, 68, 75);
background-color: #3B444B;
border: 3px solid #3B444B;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #3B444B66;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #3B444B 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in Arsenic
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.
- 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 Arsenic?
Explore color palettes containing Arsenic and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Analogous
Split-complementary
Triadic
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 Dark colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Arsenic
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Arsenic?
What colors go with Arsenic?
Is Arsenic accessible for text?
How do I use Arsenic in CSS?
You can use Arsenic in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.arsenic {
background-color: #3B444B;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.