Cyan vs. Turquoise — What's the Difference?

Both cyan and turquoise have psychological and cultural meanings attached to them. Cyan is often associated with feelings of calmness and clarity. Turquoise has been historically associated with qualities like healing and protection, particularly in the form of the turquoise gemstone. Although both colors are visually similar, their functional applications and connotations differ significantly.

Cyan is a fundamental color in both the additive RGB color model used in digital displays and the subtractive CMYK model used in printing. It has a greenish-blue hue and serves as one of the primary colors in many color models. Turquoise, on the other hand, is more culturally and historically defined, often associated with the gemstone from which it takes its name. It is also a blue-green color but leans more towards blue than green.

Cyan is frequently employed in technical contexts. For instance, it is used in printing to achieve a wide range of colors when combined with magenta, yellow, and black. Turquoise doesn't have the same foundational role in color theory as cyan; it is more often found in decorative and artistic contexts, such as jewelry and interior design.

In digital settings, cyan is usually specified using numerical values across different color models like RGB or HEX. Turquoise doesn’t have a standard numerical value across platforms, which can result in variations in its appearance. Both colors are popular in graphic design but for different purposes. Cyan is often used for its high visibility and readability, while turquoise is commonly used for its aesthetic appeal.