What Color is Purpureus
Purpureus is a vivid red-violet that bridges the gap between ancient regality and digital innovation. It possesses a luminous quality, sitting comfortably between the depth of amethyst and the brightness of orchid. This shade commands attention without being aggressive, offering a mystical allure that feels both prestigious and playful.
Additional Information
- Color Family: Red-Violet
- Temperature: Cool
- Associated Season: Spring
- Complementary Color: #60AC4D
- Brightness: 112/255
- Saturation: 55%
Colors That Pair Well With Purpureus
Complementary
Pair with Apple for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.
High Contrast
Use Mantis 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)
Purpureus History
The name derives from the Latin word for purple, originally associated with the Tyrian dye extracted from Murex sea snails in ancient Phoenicia. Because it took thousands of snails to dye a single garment, this general hue became the exclusive signature of imperial power in Rome and Byzantium, strictly regulated by sumptuary laws.
True stability for this specific lighter, red-violet shade arrived with the invention of synthetic dyes like Mauveine by William Perkin in 1856. Later, the Psychedelic art movement of the 1960s embraced such electric variations, moving the color from the heavy robes of emperors to the vibrant posters of counter-culture revolution.
Meaning & Psychology
This shade stimulates the imagination and encourages creative thinking. Unlike darker, heavier purples that signify mourning or strict authority, Purpureus feels spiritual and introspective, inviting the mind to wander into fantasy and intuition.
Culturally, it often represents a balance between the stimulation of red and the calm of blue, resulting in a visionary energy. In modern branding, it signals luxury and innovation, often used by technology companies to suggest a future-forward philosophy.
In Nature
While rare in foliage, this specific red-violet manifests strikingly in the floral world, specifically in the petals of the Petunia and certain Orchid varieties. It also appears in the mineral kingdom within polished geodes of Amethyst, where trace amounts of iron irradiation create this distinctive, gem-like hue.
How To Use Purpureus
As a Senior Designer, I recommend using Purpureus as an accent color against dark charcoal or crisp white backgrounds to maximize its vibrance. It works exceptionally well in gradients for UI design, providing a modern aesthetic that feels approachable yet sophisticated.
Regarding accessibility, this color does not have sufficient contrast for body text on white backgrounds. Always pair it with lighter tints or use it for large headlines only to ensure readability for users with visual impairments.
Related Words
Curated Palettes
Imperial Court
A regal combination balancing the violet with classic gold and neutral whites.
Digital Flora
A high-energy, analogous palette inspired by synthetic garden aesthetics.
Neon Night
High contrast cyber-aesthetic suitable for dark mode interfaces.
Color Conversions
Color Blindness Simulation
CSS Snippets
color: #9A4EAE;
color: rgb(154, 78, 174);
background-color: #9A4EAE;
border: 3px solid #9A4EAE;
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #9A4EAE66;
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #9A4EAE 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Shop Premium Products in Purpureus
This isn't just a mockup. We'll custom make high-quality home decor in this exact shade, just for you.
Ships in 3-5 daysSecure Checkout
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 Purpureus?
Explore color palettes containing Purpureus and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.
Analogous
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
Caran d'ache Luminance 6901
Quinacridone Purple
#115 • #8B2B81
Prismacolor
Parma Violet
#PC1008 • #8E69BA
Similar Colors
View all Red-Violet colors →Colors with similar hex values and appearance to Purpureus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hex code for Purpureus?
What colors go with Purpureus?
Is Purpureus accessible for text?
How do I use Purpureus in CSS?
You can use Purpureus in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:
.purpureus {
background-color: #9A4EAE;
color: #FFFFFF;
}For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.