Rust
Also known as: Donkey Kong, Burnt Sienna, Muddy, Rusted Lock
Rust brings a earthy and grounded feel to any palette. This rich brown is a natural fit for autumn design and coffee and food branding. A cyan counterpart from the complementary harmony gives it the most tension. It's dark enough to use for text on white backgrounds (6.33:1, passes WCAG AA).
Rust color codes
- HEX
- #A83C09
- RGB
- rgb(168, 60, 9)
- RGBA
- rgba(168, 60, 9, 1)
- HSL
- hsl(19, 90%, 35%)
- HSV
- hsv(19, 95%, 66%)
- CMYK
- cmyk(0%, 64%, 95%, 34%)
- LAB
- lab(41.2 43.8 50.0)
- OKLCH
- oklch(50.3% 0.152 40.3)
Color intelligence
Displays accurately on every screen and translates well to print.
Temperature
warm
Nearest standard colors
- CSS: sienna#A0522D · ΔE 6.2
- RAL 2013 — Pearl orange#954527 · ΔE 5.7 · 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 Rust 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: As a brand anchor it reads established and tactile; pair with a single vivid accent for energy.
- 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 Rust
Tints (lighter)
Shades (darker)
Color harmonies
Palettes built from Rust 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 6.33:1
AA passAAA failAA large pass
Aa — on black
contrast 3.32:1
AA failAAA failAA large pass
Best text color on a Rust background: #ffffff
Palettes featuring Rust
Rust with its complement
Soft neighbors of Rust
Rust triad
Similar colors
- Muddy#A13905 · ΔE 1.6
- Pepperoni#AA4400 · ΔE 3.4
- Hot Brown#984218 · ΔE 3.6
- Chocoholic#993300 · ΔE 3.7
- Rusty Red#AF2F0D · ΔE 4.1
- Choco Chic#993311 · ΔE 4.6
Looking for maximum contrast instead? The complement of Rust is closest to Waterworld.
Rust FAQs
What color is Rust?
Rust is a dark brown with the hex code #A83C09. In HSL terms it has a hue of 19°, 90% saturation, and 35% lightness.
What is the hex code for Rust?
The hex code for Rust is #A83C09. In RGB it's rgb(168, 60, 9), and in CMYK it's cmyk(0%, 64%, 95%, 34%).
What colors go well with Rust?
Rust pairs naturally with cyan tones from its complementary harmony. Its own tints and shades always work as a monochrome scheme.
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