Cyan vs. Turquoise: Know the Difference

By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023

Cyan is a greenish-blue color, often used in color printing, while Turquoise is a blue-green color, resembling the gemstone of the same name.

Cyan vs. Turquoise

Key Differences

Cyan is a primary color in the subtractive color model, used in color printing. It leans more towards green in a blue base. On the other hand, Turquoise is a secondary color that blends blue and green, but it tends more towards blue with a hint of green.

Dec 02, 2023

In the RGB color model, Cyan is a mixture of equal parts green and blue light. It is bright and vibrant. In contrast, Turquoise has a softer, more subdued appearance with a higher blue component than green.

Dec 02, 2023

The name Cyan comes from the Greek word 'kyanos', meaning dark blue. It is commonly associated with clarity and freshness. Turquoise, named after the gemstone, symbolizes calmness and wisdom, with a color that ranges from blue to green depending on the light.

Dec 02, 2023

In web design and digital art, Cyan is often used to create a modern and clean look. It's a popular choice in tech and design industries. Turquoise, with its soothing and tranquil vibe, is frequently used in fashion, jewelry, and interior design for a serene effect.

Dec 02, 2023

Cyan is a key color in the CMYK color model and is pivotal in color printing processes. Alternatively, Turquoise is more common in decorative arts and fashion, used for its aesthetic appeal and association with the precious turquoise stone.

Dec 02, 2023

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Comparison Chart

Color Model

Primary in subtractive (CMYK) model

Secondary color, not primary in any color model

Dec 02, 2023

Tone

Bright and vibrant

Softer and more subdued

Dec 02, 2023

Origin of Name

From Greek 'kyanos', meaning dark blue

Named after the turquoise gemstone

Dec 02, 2023

Common Usage

In color printing, web design

In fashion, jewelry, interior design

Dec 02, 2023

Color Composition

Equal mix of green and blue light in RGB

More blue than green

Dec 02, 2023

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Cyan and Turquoise Definitions

Cyan

Primary color in CMYK

The printer uses cyan ink for color printing.

Dec 02, 2023

Turquoise

Fashion color

His tie was a subtle shade of turquoise.

Dec 02, 2023

Cyan

Greenish-blue hue

Her dress was a bright shade of cyan.

Dec 02, 2023

Turquoise

Interior design choice

They painted the room in calming turquoise.

Dec 02, 2023

Cyan

RGB color model component

Cyan is created by mixing green and blue light.

Dec 02, 2023

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Turquoise

Gemstone color

She wore a necklace with a turquoise stone.

Dec 02, 2023

Cyan

Symbol of clarity

The cyan sky represented a clear day.

Dec 02, 2023

Turquoise

Symbol of tranquility

The turquoise hues in the painting evoked a sense of peace.

Dec 02, 2023

Cyan

Web design color

The website's theme featured a sleek cyan background.

Dec 02, 2023

Turquoise

Blue-green color

The turquoise sea was breathtaking.

Dec 02, 2023

Cyan

A greenish blue, one of the subtractive primary colors.

Oct 19, 2023

Turquoise

A blue to blue-green mineral of aluminum and copper, mainly CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O, prized as a gemstone in its polished blue form.

Oct 19, 2023

Cyan

A vibrant pale greenish-blue colour between blue and green in the visible spectrum; the complementary colour of red; the colour obtained by subtracting red from white light.

Oct 19, 2023

Turquoise

A light to brilliant bluish green.

Oct 19, 2023

Cyan

Of the colour cyan.

Oct 19, 2023

Turquoise

(countable) A sky-blue, greenish-blue, or greenish-gray semi-precious gemstone.

Oct 19, 2023

Cyan

A blue-green that is one of the primary pigments

Oct 19, 2023

Turquoise

A pale greenish-blue colour, like that of the gemstone.

Oct 19, 2023

Cyan

A bluish shade of green

Oct 19, 2023

Turquoise

Made of turquoise (the gemstone).

Oct 19, 2023

Turquoise

Having a pale greenish-blue colour.

Oct 19, 2023

Turquoise

A hydrous phosphate of alumina containing a little copper; calaite. It has a blue, or bluish green, color, and usually occurs in reniform masses with a botryoidal surface.

Oct 19, 2023

Turquoise

Having a fine light blue color, like that of choice mineral turquoise.

Oct 19, 2023

Turquoise

A blue to gray green mineral consisting of copper aluminum phosphate; blue turquoise is valued as a gemstone

Oct 19, 2023

Turquoise

A shade of blue tinged with green

Oct 19, 2023

Repeatedly Asked Queries

Can cyan appear greenish?

Yes, cyan has a greenish hue in its composition.

Dec 02, 2023

What does turquoise symbolize?

Turquoise often symbolizes tranquility and wisdom.

Dec 02, 2023

Is turquoise a natural color?

Yes, it's inspired by the color of the turquoise gemstone.

Dec 02, 2023

Do cyan and turquoise look similar?

They are similar but have distinct green and blue balances.

Dec 02, 2023

What industries use turquoise frequently?

Fashion, jewelry, and interior design often use turquoise.

Dec 02, 2023

Does cyan lean more towards blue or green?

Cyan leans slightly more towards green.

Dec 02, 2023

Is cyan a primary color?

Yes, in the CMYK color model, cyan is a primary color.

Dec 02, 2023

How is turquoise perceived in design?

Turquoise is seen as calming and aesthetic.

Dec 02, 2023

What does cyan represent in web design?

It often represents modernity and freshness.

Dec 02, 2023

Is turquoise more subdued than cyan?

Yes, turquoise is typically softer and more subdued.

Dec 02, 2023

Is cyan used in printing?

Yes, cyan is one of the primary colors in color printing.

Dec 02, 2023

Are cyan and turquoise used in art?

Yes, both are popular in various forms of art.

Dec 02, 2023

Can cyan be considered a cool color?

Yes, cyan is generally considered a cool color.

Dec 02, 2023

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About Author

Written by

Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

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