Slate gray
Slate gray is a medium-dark gray color with subtle bluish undertones, evoking the natural appearance of slate rock, and is standardized in digital design by the hex code #708090, equivalent to RGB values (112, 128, 144) and CMYK (22%, 11%, 0%, 44%).[1][2] The term "slate gray" originated in the early 18th century as a color name, with the first recorded use in English in 1705; references to "slate-gray" appeared in dyeing practices by 1791, directly inspired by the muted, durable tones of slate—a fine-grained metamorphic rock formed from sedimentary origins millions of years ago and widely used in construction.[3][4] In contemporary applications, slate gray serves as a versatile neutral in interior design, fashion, and graphic design, where it promotes a sense of reliability, sophistication, and calm without overwhelming other elements.[5] Designers often pair it with warmer accents like terracotta or sage green to create balanced, modern schemes in architecture and apparel, reflecting its enduring appeal in professional and residential settings.[6][7] Its subtle blue hue also makes it ideal for digital interfaces, enhancing readability and conveying trustworthiness in corporate branding.[8]Definition and Etymology
Origin of the Name
The term "slate gray" derives its name from slate, a metamorphic rock known for its fine-grained, foliated structure formed through the low-grade metamorphism of shale-type sedimentary rocks composed primarily of clay or volcanic ash under heat and pressure.[9] The word "slate" itself originates from the mid-14th century Old French esclate, meaning "split tile" or "fragment," reflecting the rock's natural tendency to cleave into thin, flat sheets suitable for roofing and other uses.[3] The color designation "slate gray" emerged in English to describe hues reminiscent of this rock's typical muted, dark gray tones, influenced by the mineral composition such as carbon that imparts gray shades to the material.[4] The earliest recorded use of "slate-colour" appears in 1743, with "slate-gray" specifically documented from 1791 in contexts like dyeing and later bird descriptions.[3] Regionally, the naming convention varies; in French, slate is termed ardoise, a word derived from Late Latin ardesia possibly linked to Gaulish roots denoting height or altitude, underscoring the material's widespread cultural and linguistic ties across Europe.[10] This connection highlights how the rock's ubiquitous presence in construction and natural landscapes shaped standardized color nomenclature in multiple languages.[11]Color Description
Slate gray is a medium-dark shade of gray characterized by a subtle azure or bluish tinge, which gives it a muted and cool appearance reminiscent of the natural tones found in slate rock.[2] This color's subdued quality stems from its low saturation, making it nearly achromatic while retaining a faint hue that distinguishes it from pure neutrals.[12] As a tertiary color, slate gray emerges from the blending of secondary hues like purple and green, resulting in a balanced mix that evokes depth without vibrancy.[13] Perceptually, slate gray appears cooler than warmer grays due to its underlying blue undertones, often conveying a sense of serenity and sophistication in visual contexts.[14] Its neutral yet slightly somber tone positions it as a versatile backdrop, frequently described as timeless and reliable, though overuse can lend an air of melancholy or detachment.[12] This subjective coolness enhances its role in evoking calm, modern environments without overwhelming the viewer.[15]Technical Specifications
RGB and Hex Values
Slate gray is defined as a standard named color in web technologies, with the hexadecimal code #708090. This value corresponds to the RGB components (112, 128, 144), where the red value is 112, green is 128, and blue is 144 on a scale of 0 to 255, establishing its position in the sRGB color space as recognized by the CSS Color Module Level 3 specification.[16] In print and design contexts, slate gray can be approximated in the CMYK color model as C:22%, M:11%, Y:0%, K:44%, which accounts for the subtractive mixing of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks to replicate the digital shade on physical media. This conversion highlights the color's moderate cyan dominance with minimal yellow influence, suitable for offset printing representations.[1] The HSV (Hue, Saturation, Value) representation further elucidates slate gray's perceptual qualities, with a hue of 210°, saturation of 22%, and value of 56%. This configuration underscores the cool blue-gray balance, where the hue aligns with cyan-blue tones, low saturation tempers vibrancy toward neutrality, and the value provides a mid-tone lightness. The 210° hue value contributes to the subtle azure tinge in its overall appearance.[1]| Color Model | Values |
|---|---|
| Hex | #708090 |
| RGB | (112, 128, 144) |
| CMYK | (22%, 11%, 0%, 44%) |
| HSV | (210°, 22%, 56%) |