What Color is Dark slate gray
Dark slate gray is a profound, desaturated cyan that bridges the gap between charcoal and deep teal. It serves as a grounding force in any palette, offering more character than a standard neutral. This shade communicates authority and sophistication without the harshness of pure black.
What color is opposite Dark slate gray?
The opposite color to Dark slate gray is Congo Brown (#503030).
Additional Information
- Color Family: Cyan
- Temperature: Cool
- Associated Season: Autumn
- Complementary Color: #503030
- Brightness: 69/255
- Saturation: 41%
Colors That Pair Well With Dark slate gray
Complementary
Pair with Congo Brown for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Clam Shell 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)
Dark slate gray History
The term slate stems from the Old French word esclate, referring to the metamorphic rock split into thin layers. Historically, slate was the backbone of urban infrastructure, used for roofing and writing tablets throughout the Victorian era. The dark, teal-tinted version of this gray emerged as a popular architectural choice for its resistance to weathering and its industrial aesthetic.
In the realm of pigments, this shade was often achieved by mixing graphite or vine black with mineral-based greens like terre verte. In 1989, it was formally codified in the X11 color system, ensuring its place as a digital standard for modern user interfaces and web development.
Meaning & Psychology
From a psychological perspective, dark slate gray represents stability and quiet resolve. Because it contains hidden cyan undertones, it feels less oppressive than true gray, evoking a sense of deep-sea tranquility. It is the color of a person who is reliable but possesses an inner life of complexity and depth.
This color is frequently used in corporate environments to project wisdom and experience. It lacks the aggressiveness of bright blues but retains their intellectual clarity. In interior spaces, it creates a cocoon-like effect that fosters focus and emotional security.
In Nature
In the natural world, this hue is found in the jagged faces of shale cliffs and the turbulent surface of the Atlantic Ocean during a storm. It appears in the waxy needles of conifer trees under low light and the metallic sheen of galena crystals. The color serves as a natural camouflage for deep-water predators and mountain-dwelling organisms.
How To Use Dark slate gray
As a designer, use dark slate gray as a high-contrast anchor for lighter pastels or vibrant neons. It is an exceptional choice for typography and UI headers, as it provides a softer, more readable alternative to pure black on digital screens. Ensure you pair it with warm accents to prevent a layout from feeling too clinical or cold.
Accessibility is a major strength of this color; it easily passes WCAG contrast guidelines when paired with white or cream. Use it in minimalist branding to convey luxury and timelessness. It works best as a primary background color for portfolios or professional service websites.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Deep Tundra
An earthy, rugged palette inspired by sub-arctic landscapes.
Modern Executive
A sophisticated corporate scheme with a touch of luxury gold.
Stormy Sea
Cool, aquatic tones that evoke a sense of movement and depth.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #2F4F4F;
color: rgb(47, 79, 79);
background-color: #2F4F4F;
border: 3px solid #2F4F4F;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #2F4F4F66;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #2F4F4F 0%, #ffffff 100%);

Shop Premium Products in Dark slate gray
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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 Dark slate gray?
Explore color palettes containing Dark slate gray and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Analogous
Complementary
Split-complementary
Triadic
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 Cyan colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Dark slate gray
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Dark slate gray?
What colors go with Dark slate gray?
Is Dark slate gray accessible for text?
How do I use Dark slate gray in CSS?
You can use Dark slate gray in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.dark-slate-gray {
background-color: #2F4F4F;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.