Crucible
Also known as: Carbon Dating , Mostly Metal , Black Pool , Soot
Crucible sits on the neutral side of the spectrum: a muted gray that feels quiet and sophisticated. Try it in minimal interfaces and architecture. Reach for a gray companion shade to give Crucible maximum contrast. It's dark enough to use for text on white backgrounds (6.94:1, passes WCAG AA).
Reference
Crucible color codes
- HEX
- #555B59
- RGB
- rgb(85, 91, 89)
- RGBA
- rgba(85, 91, 89, 1)
- HSL
- hsl(160, 3%, 35%)
- HSV
- hsv(160, 7%, 36%)
- CMYK
- cmyk(7%, 0%, 2%, 64%)
- LAB
- lab(38.1 -2.8 0.3)
- OKLCH
- oklch(46.5% 0.008 174.1)
Analysis
Color intelligence
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Gamut
The full range of colors a device or space can show. sRGB is the common screen gamut; Display P3 is wider. A color outside a gamut cannot be shown accurately there and must be mapped inward.Full glossary entry →Displays accurately on every screen and translates well to print.
Temperature
Undertone
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neutral, leaning cool
subtle cyan undertone in this near-neutral
Nearest standard colors
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Delta E (ΔE)
A measure of how different two colors look. Below 1 the difference is invisible to almost everyone; below 2.3 most people can't tell them apart; above 10 they are clearly different colors. We use CIEDE2000, the modern standard.Full glossary entry →
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Delta E (ΔE)
A measure of how different two colors look. Below 1 the difference is invisible to almost everyone; below 2.3 most people can't tell them apart; above 10 they are clearly different colors. We use CIEDE2000, the modern standard.Full glossary entry →- CSS: dimgray #696969 · ΔE 6.8
- RAL 7010: Tarpaulin grey #575D57 · ΔE 2.4 · approximate
RAL values are widely published approximations of the physical standard. For Pantone-adjacent workflows, match by eye against a physical fan deck. Pantone's values are proprietary and device-dependent, so we don't print lookups.
Where Crucible works
- Web & UI: Use it directly for text on light surfaces; it clears AA contrast without adjustment.
- Interiors: Use it where you want the eye to land: a front door, built-ins, or one bold wall.
- Fashion: Works as a base layer or outerwear tone that lets brighter pieces do the talking.
- Branding: As a brand anchor it reads established and tactile; pair with a single vivid accent for energy.
- Web & UI: Use it decoratively for dividers, chart series, and illustration accents, and let neutrals carry the type.
- Fashion: One garment in this color carries an outfit; two starts to compete.
Copy as: every ecosystem
Variations
Tints, shades, and tones of Crucible
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Tint
A color mixed with white, which raises its lightness. Pink is a tint of red. Tints feel softer and more open than the base color.Full glossary entry →
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Tint
A color mixed with white, which raises its lightness. Pink is a tint of red. Tints feel softer and more open than the base color.Full glossary entry →Tints (lighter)
Shades (darker)
Harmonies
Color harmonies
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Complementary colors
Two colors opposite each other on the wheel. They create the strongest contrast and make each other look more intense, so they work best used unevenly.Full glossary entry →
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Complementary colors
Two colors opposite each other on the wheel. They create the strongest contrast and make each other look more intense, so they work best used unevenly.Full glossary entry →Palettes built from Crucible by rotating its hue in OKLCH space. Click any swatch to copy its hex code.
Complementary
Analogous
Triadic
Split-complementary
Tetradic
Monochromatic
Accessibility
Contrast & accessibility
Aa on white
contrast 6.94:1
AA pass AAA fail AA large pass
Aa on black
contrast 3.03:1
AA fail AAA fail AA large pass
Best text color on a Crucible background: #ffffff
Palettes
Palettes featuring Crucible
Crucible with its complement
Soft neighbors of Crucible
Crucible triad
Explore
Similar colors
- Yacht Club #566062 · ΔE 3.1
- Blindfolded #5A5E61 · ΔE 3.8
- Trout #4C5356 · ΔE 4.1
- Iron #5E5E5E · ΔE 4.2
- Stone Cold #555555 · ΔE 4.2
- Lava Rock #535E64 · ΔE 4.8
Looking for maximum contrast instead? The complement of Crucible is closest to Smokescreen .
FAQ
Crucible FAQs
What color is Crucible?
Crucible is a dark gray with the hex code #555B59. In HSL terms it has a hue of 160°, 3% saturation, and 35% lightness.
What is the hex code for Crucible?
The hex code for Crucible is #555B59. In RGB it's rgb(85, 91, 89), and in CMYK it's cmyk(7%, 0%, 2%, 64%).
What colors go well with Crucible?
Crucible pairs naturally with gray tones from its complementary harmony. Its own tints and shades always work as a monochrome scheme.
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