Machinery
Also known as: Lavender Ash, Acanthus, Ash Violet, Adhesion
Machinery is what happens when gray turns soft and muted. The effect is balanced and versatile, made for architecture and editorial layouts. Set it against a gray accent when you want the combination to pop. Against dark backgrounds it stays legible (7.49:1), but avoid it as text on white.
Machinery color codes
- HEX
- #9999AA
- RGB
- rgb(153, 153, 170)
- RGBA
- rgba(153, 153, 170, 1)
- HSL
- hsl(240, 9%, 63%)
- HSV
- hsv(240, 10%, 67%)
- CMYK
- cmyk(10%, 10%, 0%, 33%)
- LAB
- lab(63.6 2.6 -8.9)
- OKLCH
- oklch(68.8% 0.025 285.7)
Color intelligence
Displays accurately on every screen and translates well to print.
Temperature
neutral, leaning cool
subtle purple undertone in this near-neutral
Nearest standard colors
- CSS: darkgray#A9A9A9 · ΔE 9.4
- RAL 7036 — Platinum grey#9A9697 · ΔE 7.6 · 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 Machinery works
- Web & UI: A supporting-cast color for UI: chart fills, tags, empty-state illustrations — not text.
- Interiors: Soft and low-saturation — a candidate for full walls, where vivid colors overwhelm.
- Fashion: A wardrobe neutral: it anchors outfits and pairs with nearly any accent color.
- Branding: Craft and heritage material — coffee, leather goods, and premium packaging live here.
- Interiors: Strong for a whole room, excellent in doses: an accent wall, cabinetry, or a statement chair.
- Fashion: Wears best as the statement piece — a top, scarf, or shoes — against neutral basics.
Copy as — every ecosystem
Tints, shades, and tones of Machinery
Tints (lighter)
Shades (darker)
Color harmonies
Palettes built from Machinery by rotating its hue in OKLCH space. Click any swatch to copy its hex code.
Complementary
Analogous
Triadic
Split-complementary
Tetradic
Monochromatic
Contrast & accessibility
Aa — on white
contrast 2.80:1
AA failAAA failAA large fail
Aa — on black
contrast 7.49:1
AA passAAA passAA large pass
Best text color on a Machinery background: #000000
Palettes featuring Machinery
Machinery with its complement
Soft neighbors of Machinery
Machinery triad
Similar colors
- Dusky Mood#979BA8 · ΔE 3.0
- Dark Ages#9698A3 · ΔE 3.1
- Silverfish#8D95AA · ΔE 4.1
- Moon Veil#8D99B1 · ΔE 5.4
- Grisaille#91979F · ΔE 6.1
- Walkway#A3999C · ΔE 7.3
Looking for maximum contrast instead? The complement of Machinery is closest to Lemongrass.
Machinery FAQs
What color is Machinery?
Machinery is a medium gray with the hex code #9999AA. In HSL terms it has a hue of 240°, 9% saturation, and 63% lightness.
What is the hex code for Machinery?
The hex code for Machinery is #9999AA. In RGB it's rgb(153, 153, 170), and in CMYK it's cmyk(10%, 10%, 0%, 33%).
What colors go well with Machinery?
Machinery pairs naturally with gray tones from its complementary harmony, and with orange accents from its split-complementary palette. Its own tints and shades always work as a monochrome scheme.
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