Turquoise color meaning
Turquoise means calm, protection, healing and refreshment: it is named after the gemstone, long worn as a protective charm. Here is what turquoise symbolizes in psychology, history and different cultures, and how to use it in design.
What does the color turquoise mean?
| Positive | Negative |
|---|---|
| Calm and serenity | Aloofness |
| Protection | |
| Healing | |
| Freshness | |
| Friendship |
Color meanings are learned associations, not fixed rules: they come from nature, history, language and culture, so the same turquoise can feel joyful in one setting and serious in another.
Turquoise in color psychology
Turquoise feels fresh, clean and relaxing, like tropical water. It is lighter and more playful than teal.
The history of turquoise
The gemstone has been mined for thousands of years, from ancient Egypt and Persia to the American Southwest. Its name comes from French for "Turkish", because it reached Europe through Turkey.
What turquoise means in different cultures
| Where | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Native American cultures (Southwest) | Protection, health and connection with the sky and water. |
| Persia and Turkey | Protection and good fortune, seen in tiles and jewelry. |
| Ancient Egypt | Joy and protection, in jewelry and burial objects. |
Turquoise in nature
Shallow tropical seas, glacial lakes and the turquoise gemstone itself give the color its fresh, watery feel.
Turquoise in branding and design
Turquoise says fresh, friendly and calm: Tiffany’s signature blue sits close to it.
- Pair turquoise with coral, sand or white for a beachy palette.
- Turquoise text on white usually fails contrast; use it as a background or accent.
- It pairs with deep navy for a confident, modern look.
As text, turquoise (#40E0D0) has a contrast ratio of 1.64:1 on white, which fails WCAG AA, and 12.79:1 on black, which passes. For text on a turquoise background, black text reads best.
Shades of turquoise and what they mean
| Shade | Hex | Association |
|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | #40E0D0 | the core meaning of turquoise |
| Aquamarine | #7FFFD4 | lighter and greener |
| Teal | #008080 | darker and more muted |
| Robin Egg Blue | #8AF1FE | soft and sweet |
Colors that go with turquoise
Complementary (opposite on the wheel): Turquoise, Cherry Blossom Pink
Analogous (neighbors on the wheel): Turquoise, Emerald, Vivid Sky Blue
Triadic (evenly spaced): Turquoise, Cherry Blossom Pink, Sandy Brown
Other color meanings
- Red meaningRed stands for passion, love, energy and danger.
- Orange meaningOrange means energy, warmth, enthusiasm and creativity.
- Yellow meaningYellow means happiness, optimism and warmth.
- Green meaningGreen means nature, growth, renewal and balance.
- Blue meaningBlue means trust, calm, stability and depth.
- Purple meaningPurple means royalty, luxury, wisdom and creativity.
- Pink meaningPink means love, tenderness, kindness and playfulness.
- Black meaningBlack means power, elegance, mystery and formality, and in many cultures it is also the color of mourning and the unknown..
- White meaningWhite means purity, peace, cleanliness and new beginnings in Western cultures, while in parts of Asia it is traditionally the color of mourning..
- Gray meaningGray means neutrality, balance, maturity and calm, though it can also suggest dullness or indecision..
- Brown meaningBrown means earth, stability, comfort and reliability.
- Gold meaningGold means wealth, success, achievement and luxury.
- Teal meaningTeal means calm, clarity, balance and sophistication.
- Lavender meaningLavender means calm, grace, femininity and serenity.
- Silver meaningSilver means modernity, elegance, grace and technology.
Frequently asked questions
What does the color turquoise mean?
Turquoise means calm, protection, healing and refreshment: it is named after the gemstone, long worn as a protective charm.
What does turquoise represent in color psychology?
Turquoise feels fresh, clean and relaxing, like tropical water. Positive associations include calm and serenity, Protection, Healing; negative ones include aloofness.
What does turquoise mean spiritually?
Turquoise is traditionally a protective and healing stone in many cultures, from Persia to the Native American Southwest.
Is turquoise blue or green?
Turquoise is a blue-green, lighter and brighter than teal.
What colors go with turquoise?
See the harmonies above, or the Turquoise color page for complementary, analogous and triadic matches and palettes that use turquoise.
Build a palette around turquoise
Start from this color in the generator, choose a harmony and check contrast before exporting.