The hexadecimal color #4A192C is a deep, intense shade of dark red, often associated with terms like "Claret," "Dark Cherry," or "Deep Burgundy." Unlike bright crimson, which shouts for attention, #4A192C commands it through silence and depth. It sits on the border between red and purple, heavily shaded with black, creating a color that feels substantial, historical, and organic.
Below is a detailed exploration of this specific hue, its associations in the natural world, and its psychological impact.
Technical Specifications
Here is the breakdown of #4A192C across various color models used in digital and print media.
| Format | Values | Description |
|---|---|---|
| RGB | 74, 25, 44 | The additive color model used for screens. This color relies heavily on the Red channel, with very little Green. |
| CMYK | 0, 66, 41, 71 | The subtractive model for print. The high "Key" (Black) value of 71% indicates how dark this shade truly is. |
| HSL | 337°, 49%, 19% | Cylindrical-coordinate representation. The lightness is very low (19%), placing it in the shadows. |
| HSV | 337°, 66%, 29% | Similar to HSL, showing a relatively high saturation but low value (brightness). |
History and Origins
While #4A192C is a specific digital value, its lineage traces back to some of the most expensive and regal dyes in history.
- Tyrian Purple and Crimson: In antiquity, deep red-purples were associated with status because the dyes (derived from predatory sea snails or the cochineal insect) were incredibly labor-intensive to produce. A color this dark would have required multiple dips in the dye vat, signaling immense wealth.
- The Wine Connection: Historically, this shade is inextricably linked to viticulture. It mimics the color of aged red wines, particularly those from the Bordeaux region of France. The name "Claret" (a British term for dark red Bordeaux) is a perfect descriptor for this hex code.
Items in Nature
This color is frequently found in late-stage ripening in nature, often signaling sweetness or concentration of nutrients.
- Fruit: This is the exact color of a black cherry or a damson plum just before it becomes over-ripe. It is also seen in the arils of a deep red pomegranate.
- Flora: Certain cultivars of roses, such as the "Black Baccara," and deep purple Calla Lilies display this pigmentation.
- Minerals: Almandine Garnet and certain dark Rubies exhibit this specific refraction of light, where the stone appears almost black until hit by a direct beam.
Chemistry and The Periodic Table
While elements themselves are rarely this exact complex hue in isolation, specific compounds mirror #4A192C:
- Cobalt (II) Carbonate: While often lighter, impure cobalt mixtures can result in deep violet-reds.
- Potassium Permanganate: In crystal form, this inorganic compound appears as glistening dark purple-black prisms, very similar to #4A192C, before it is dissolved in water.
Mood and Psychology
The psychology of #4A192C is complex because it combines the passion of red with the stability of black.
The Positive Impact
- Sophistication: It implies maturity. It is a "grown-up" red, often used in luxury branding to suggest high quality and timelessness.
- Comfort: Because it is a warm, dark color, it visually "shrinks" a room, making large spaces feel cozy and intimate.
- Romance: It suggests deep, enduring love rather than the fleeting, fiery passion of bright red.
The Negative Impact
- Heaviness: If used without lighter contrasting colors, #4A192C can feel oppressive or gloomy.
- Secrecy: The high black content can imply hidden motives or a lack of transparency.
Cultural and Common Uses
- Interior Design: This color is a staple in "Moody Maximalist" decor. It is frequently used for velvet upholstery, heavy drapes, or as a paint color for a library or dining room, where it is believed to stimulate appetite while encouraging quiet conversation.
- Fashion: It is a perennial favorite for Autumn/Winter collections, often appearing in leather goods (boots and bags) and evening wear.
- Weddings: It is a popular primary color for winter weddings, usually paired with gold, sage green, or ivory.
Strange Beliefs and Folklore
- Protection: In various folklore traditions, deep red stones (like garnets, which match this color) were believed to offer protection to travelers during the night.
- Vitality vs. Decay: Because the color resembles venous blood (deoxygenated blood), it occupies a strange cultural space representing both the core of life and the process of dying or drying out (like a dried rose).
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