Violet
#EE82EE
Color Values
Color Meaning
Violet is the color of imagination, spirituality, and enlightenment. It's often associated with the crown chakra and represents the bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds.
Learn more on WikipediaFrequently Asked Questions About Violet
What colors make violet?
Violet is made by mixing blue and red, with more blue than red. Typically, a ratio of 2 parts blue to 1 part red creates a true violet color. It's a cool-toned purple with more blue influence.
What's the difference between purple and violet?
Purple is a broader color category that can have warm or cool undertones, while violet specifically refers to a cool-toned purple with a strong blue influence. Violet is closer to the spectral color visible in the rainbow.
How do you make light violet?
Light violet is created by mixing violet with white, or by mixing a small amount of red with a lot of blue and white. The result is a soft, cool-toned lavender color.
What colors make dark violet?
Dark violet is made by adding a small amount of black to violet, or by mixing a deep blue with a small amount of red. The result is a rich, deep cool-toned purple.
The History of Violet
Violet is one of the seven spectral colors identified by Isaac Newton in 1672 when he split white light through a prism — making it one of the few colors defined by precise physics rather than pigment or dye. In ancient art, true violet pigments were rare; many painters substituted mixtures of ultramarine blue and red lake. The mineral fluorite, known as 'Blue John' in Derbyshire, England, provided a natural violet hue prized for decorative carvings. In the Victorian era, violet became fashionable alongside purple after Perkin's mauveine discovery, and delicate violet shades dominated women's fashion of the 1860s–70s. In the 20th century, violet took on psychedelic associations during the 1960s counterculture movement.
Cultural Significance
Violet sits at the spiritual edge of the visible spectrum, and this liminal quality permeates its cultural meanings. In the Catholic liturgical calendar, violet (a shade close to purple) is worn by priests during Advent and Lent — seasons of penitence and anticipation. In New Age and crystal healing traditions, violet is associated with the crown chakra, representing spiritual enlightenment and connection to the divine. In Chinese culture, violet corresponds to the harmony of the universe in some Taoist texts. Among the Mayan people, violet was associated with sacred ritual. The violet amethyst gemstone has been worn as a protective amulet across cultures from ancient Greece to medieval Europe.
Color Psychology
Violet is the color most associated with the imagination and with the liminal space between the conscious and unconscious mind. Unlike pure purple (a pigment mix), violet's identity as a spectral color gives it a unique purity that many people perceive as ethereal or otherworldly. Studies suggest violet environments can encourage introspection and meditative states. Sensitive individuals often report feeling that violet has a quality of 'vibration' or energy distinct from other colors. In branding, violet is used sparingly — it communicates creativity and individuality, and is favored by companies seeking to appear innovative or spiritually sophisticated. Too much violet in a design can feel unsettling or impractical.
Design Tips for Violet
Use violet strategically as an accent rather than a dominant color in most design contexts. It pairs exceptionally well with its complement — yellow-green — for high-energy contrast. For a sophisticated palette, combine violet with silver, white, and pale gold. In digital design, violet (#8B5CF6) is widely used in modern UI frameworks because it reads as fresh and contemporary compared to traditional purple. For print design, note that violet can shift significantly between screen and print — always request a physical proof. In photography and video, violet hours (just before sunset) create a naturally magical atmosphere. Accessibility note: medium violet tones often struggle with contrast — always verify your text-on-violet combinations meet WCAG 4.5:1.