Onyx
HEX: #353839 | Modern Palette
Color Specifications
#353839
53, 56, 57
195°, 7% ,22%
7.02, 1.75, 0, 77.65
About Onyx
Onyx (#353839) is a color with RGB(53, 56, 57) and HSL(195°, 7.02%, 22.35%). It is commonly associated with Minimal moods. In design, it fits Monochrome, Cool styles and is suitable for Text, Background, Border. Its complementary color is #393635, which creates strong contrast. Its triadic palette includes #393538 and #383935. The name comes from ὄνυξ (ónux) (Greek).
- HEX: #353839
- RGB: 53, 56, 57
- HSL: 195°, 7.02%, 22.35%
- Mood: Minimal
- Style: Monochrome, Cool
- Use case: Text, Background, Border
- Complementary color: #393635
- Triadic colors: #393538, #383935
- The name comes from ὄνυξ (ónux) (Greek).
Live Components
Color Palettes
Color Harmonies
Complementary
The color directly opposite on the color wheel — creates maximum contrast and vibrance.
Analogous
Colors adjacent on the wheel — naturally harmonious and pleasing to the eye.
Triadic
Three colors equally spaced 120° apart — bold, balanced, and visually rich.
Split-Complementary
Two colors flanking the complement — high contrast with less tension than full complementary.
Tetradic (Square)
Four colors at 90° intervals — rich variety, best when one color dominates.
Monochromatic
Shades and tints of the same hue — cohesive, elegant, and easy to work with.
Shades & Tints
A seamless scale of #353839 from deepest shade to lightest tint.
Color Characteristics
Accessibility Simulation
#373739
#383839
#353838
#373737
Frequently Asked Questions
Name, History & Etymology
History
The name 'onyx' comes from the Greek word for 'fingernail' or 'claw', likely due to its translucent, flesh-colored appearance when polished, or perhaps because of its sharp edges when freshly broken. Ancient Romans and Greeks used onyx extensively for carvings, seals, and jewelry. Pliny the Elder, in his 'Natural History', describes various types of onyx. Historically, onyx was often used for intaglio carvings, where the different colored layers of the stone could be exploited to create contrasting images. The stone has been found in archaeological sites across the Mediterranean and Middle East, indicating its widespread use and trade in ancient civilizations.
First Recorded Use
The term 'onyx' has been used since antiquity to refer to the gemstone. Its use in English dates back to at least the 14th century.
Cultural Associations
In various cultures, onyx has held different symbolic meanings. In ancient Egypt, it was used to make bowls and other pottery. In some traditions, black onyx is associated with protection and grounding, believed to absorb negative energy. It has also been used in religious contexts, appearing in biblical texts (e.g., Exodus 28:20, as one of the stones in the high priest's breastplate). In the Victorian era, black onyx became popular for mourning jewelry. Its layered structure, particularly in sardonyx (a variety of onyx with reddish-brown and white bands), made it ideal for cameos.
Code Snippets
/* Background */
.element {
background-color: #353839;
}
/* Text */
.element {
color: #353839;
}
/* Border */
.element {
border: 1px solid #353839;
}/* Linear gradient to complementary */
.element {
background: linear-gradient(
to right,
#353839,
#3D3735
);
}
/* Radial gradient */
.element {
background: radial-gradient(
circle,
#353839,
#3D3735
);
}// SCSS variable
$onyx: #353839;
// With RGB channels (useful for rgba() usage)
$onyx-r: 53;
$onyx-g: 56;
$onyx-b: 57;
// Usage
.element {
background-color: $onyx;
color: rgba($onyx-r, $onyx-g, $onyx-b, 0.8);
}