Obsidian
Also known as: High Salute, Descent Into the Catacombs, Country Sky, Vermont Slate
With its cool undertone, Obsidian (#445055) comes across as cool and clear. Designers reach for it in water themes and healthcare apps. For contrast, pair it with a brown from its complementary palette below. On white it reads clearly at 8.32:1 contrast — safe for body text under WCAG AA.
Obsidian color codes
- HEX
- #445055
- RGB
- rgb(68, 80, 85)
- RGBA
- rgba(68, 80, 85, 1)
- HSL
- hsl(198, 11%, 30%)
- HSV
- hsv(198, 20%, 33%)
- CMYK
- cmyk(20%, 6%, 0%, 67%)
- LAB
- lab(33.1 -4.0 -4.6)
- OKLCH
- oklch(42.3% 0.017 224.9)
Color intelligence
Displays accurately on every screen and translates well to print.
Temperature
neutral, leaning cool
subtle blue undertone in this near-neutral
Nearest standard colors
- CSS: darkslategray#2F4F4F · ΔE 8.5
- RAL 7026 — Granite grey#374447 · ΔE 4.4 · 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 Obsidian 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 — 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: The safest brand-primary family there is; differentiate with an unexpected accent.
- Web & UI: Use it decoratively — dividers, chart series, 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
Tints, shades, and tones of Obsidian
Tints (lighter)
Shades (darker)
Color harmonies
Palettes built from Obsidian 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 8.32:1
AA passAAA passAA large pass
Aa — on black
contrast 2.52:1
AA failAAA failAA large fail
Best text color on a Obsidian background: #ffffff
Palettes featuring Obsidian
Obsidian with its complement
Soft neighbors of Obsidian
Obsidian triad
Similar colors
- Dead Forest#434B4F · ΔE 2.3
- Trout#4C5356 · ΔE 2.6
- Dark Space#414A4C · ΔE 2.6
- Lights Out#3D474B · ΔE 3.1
- Nightfall#43535E · ΔE 3.2
- Witchcraft#474C50 · ΔE 3.4
Looking for maximum contrast instead? The complement of Obsidian is closest to Molasses.
Obsidian FAQs
What color is Obsidian?
Obsidian is a dark cyan with the hex code #445055. In HSL terms it has a hue of 198°, 11% saturation, and 30% lightness.
What is the hex code for Obsidian?
The hex code for Obsidian is #445055. In RGB it's rgb(68, 80, 85), and in CMYK it's cmyk(20%, 6%, 0%, 67%).
What colors go well with Obsidian?
Obsidian pairs naturally with brown tones from its complementary harmony, and with gray accents from its split-complementary palette. Its own tints and shades always work as a monochrome scheme.
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