Slate Gray
HEX: #708090 | Modern Palette
Color Specifications
#708090
112, 128, 144
210°, 22% ,56%
22.22, 11.11, 0, 43.53
About Slate Gray
Slate Gray (#708090) is a color with RGB(112, 128, 144) and HSL(210°, 22.22%, 56.47%). It is commonly associated with Calm moods. In design, it fits Muted, Cool styles and is suitable for Text, Background, Border. Its complementary color is #908070, which creates strong contrast. Its triadic palette includes #907080 and #809070. The name comes from Slate Gray (English).
- HEX: #708090
- RGB: 112, 128, 144
- HSL: 210°, 22.22%, 56.47%
- Mood: Calm
- Style: Muted, Cool
- Use case: Text, Background, Border
- Complementary color: #908070
- Triadic colors: #907080, #809070
- The name comes from Slate Gray (English).
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 #708090 from deepest shade to lightest tint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Name, History & Etymology
History
Slate is a fine-grained, foliated, homogeneous metamorphic rock derived from an original shale-type sedimentary rock composed of clay or volcanic ash through low-grade regional metamorphism. It is the finest grained foliated metamorphic rock. The color 'slate gray' directly references the typical appearance of this rock. Historically, slate has been used for roofing, flooring, and writing slates. The color became a common descriptor in fashion, art, and manufacturing due to its widespread recognition and association with a durable, natural material. Its neutrality and versatility have contributed to its enduring popularity.
First Recorded Use
The term 'slate' for the rock itself dates back to Middle English, but 'slate gray' as a specific color descriptor likely solidified in common usage as slate became a more prevalent building material and its color a recognizable standard. Early references to 'slate colour' or 'slate gray' appear in texts describing natural colors or dyes.
Cultural Associations
Slate gray is often associated with sophistication, stability, and a certain understated elegance. It can evoke feelings of seriousness, tradition, and practicality. In fashion, it's considered a classic neutral. In interior design, it's used to create calm and modern spaces. Due to its natural origin, it also carries connotations of earthiness and organic aesthetics, despite its often cool undertones. It's a color frequently seen in professional attire and architectural elements.
Code Snippets
/* Background */
.element {
background-color: #708090;
}
/* Text */
.element {
color: #708090;
}
/* Border */
.element {
border: 1px solid #708090;
}/* Linear gradient to complementary */
.element {
background: linear-gradient(
to right,
#708090,
#A99077
);
}
/* Radial gradient */
.element {
background: radial-gradient(
circle,
#708090,
#A99077
);
}// SCSS variable
$slate-gray: #708090;
// With RGB channels (useful for rgba() usage)
$slate-gray-r: 112;
$slate-gray-g: 128;
$slate-gray-b: 144;
// Usage
.element {
background-color: $slate-gray;
color: rgba($slate-gray-r, $slate-gray-g, $slate-gray-b, 0.8);
}