Stone Cold
Also known as: Brilliant Liquorice , Carbon Copy , Shadow Mountain , Black Space
With its neutral undertone, Stone Cold (#555555) comes across as quiet and sophisticated. Designers reach for it in minimal interfaces and architecture. Set it against a gray accent when you want the combination to pop. On white it reads clearly at 7.46:1 contrast, safe for body text under WCAG AA.
Reference
Stone Cold color codes
- HEX
- #555555
- RGB
- rgb(85, 85, 85)
- RGBA
- rgba(85, 85, 85, 1)
- HSL
- hsl(0, 0%, 33%)
- HSV
- hsv(0, 0%, 33%)
- CMYK
- cmyk(0%, 0%, 0%, 67%)
- LAB
- lab(36.1 0.0 0.0)
- OKLCH
- oklch(45.0% 0.000 0.0)
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 warm
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 7.3
- RAL 7015: Slate grey #51565C · ΔE 3.9 · 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 Stone Cold 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 Stone Cold
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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 Stone Cold 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 7.46:1
AA pass AAA pass AA large pass
Aa on black
contrast 2.82:1
AA fail AAA fail AA large fail
Best text color on a Stone Cold background: #ffffff
Palettes
Palettes featuring Stone Cold
Stone Cold with its complement
Soft neighbors of Stone Cold
Stone Cold triad
Explore
Similar colors
- Iron #5E5E5E · ΔE 3.2
- Magnet #525054 · ΔE 3.4
- Blindfolded #5A5E61 · ΔE 3.9
- Trout #4C5356 · ΔE 3.9
- Smokescreen #5E5755 · ΔE 4.1
- Crucible #555B59 · ΔE 4.2
Looking for maximum contrast instead? The complement of Stone Cold is closest to Iron .
FAQ
Stone Cold FAQs
What color is Stone Cold?
Stone Cold is a dark gray with the hex code #555555. In HSL terms it has a hue of 0°, 0% saturation, and 33% lightness.
What is the hex code for Stone Cold?
The hex code for Stone Cold is #555555. In RGB it's rgb(85, 85, 85), and in CMYK it's cmyk(0%, 0%, 0%, 67%).
What colors go well with Stone Cold?
Stone Cold pairs naturally with gray tones from its complementary harmony. Its own tints and shades always work as a monochrome scheme.
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