Deep Carmine

HEX: #A9203E | Modern Palette

On White
7.09:1
PASS
On Black
2.96:1
FAIL

Color Specifications

HEX
#A9203E
RGB
169, 32, 62
HSL
346°, 68% ,39%
CMYK
0, 81, 63, 34

About Deep Carmine

Deep Carmine (#A9203E) is a color with RGB(169, 32, 62) and HSL(346.9°, 68.2%, 39.4%). It is commonly associated with Romantic moods. In design, it fits Warm styles and is suitable for Text, Button, Accent. Its complementary color is #20A98B, which creates strong contrast. Its triadic palette includes #3EA920 and #203EA9. The name comes from carminium (Latin).

  • HEX: #A9203E
  • RGB: 169, 32, 62
  • HSL: 346.9°, 68.2%, 39.4%
  • Mood: Romantic
  • Style: Warm
  • Use case: Text, Button, Accent
  • Complementary color: #20A98B
  • Triadic colors: #3EA920, #203EA9
  • The name comes from carminium (Latin).

Live Components

LIGHT
DARK
System Notification Box

Color Palettes

Monochromatic Five tones of the same hue — a reliable scale for backgrounds, surfaces, and text.
Neutral + Accent Four near-neutral tones grounded by a saturated accent — clean and versatile for UI.
Analogous Five hues drifting across a 60° arc — naturally harmonious and pleasing to the eye.
3 + 1 + 1 Three analogous base colors, one complementary accent, one dark anchor — bold yet balanced.

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 #A9203E from deepest shade to lightest tint.

Color Characteristics

Mood
Romantic
Style
Warm
Use case
Text Button Accent

Accessibility Simulation

Deuteranopia #636338
Protanopia #43433F
Tritanopia #A82525
Achromatopsia #585858

Frequently Asked Questions

Deep Carmine (#A9203E) is a color with RGB(169, 32, 62) and HSL(346.9°, 68.2%, 39.4%).

#A9203E pairs strongly with #20A98B as its complementary color. It can also be used with neutral tones for balanced UI and design layouts.

#A9203E is suitable for Text, Button, Accent and works well with Warm styles.

#A9203E is commonly associated with Romantic.

The name Deep Carmine is linked to carminium from Latin, meaning crimson, scarlet.

Name, History & Etymology

Origin Word carminium
Meaning crimson, scarlet
Language Latin
First Recorded Use Late Middle Ages (for 'carmine' as a pigment)

History

Carmine is a vibrant red pigment primarily obtained from the carminic acid produced by cochineal insects (Dactylopius coccus). These insects are native to tropical and subtropical South America and Mexico. Before the arrival of Europeans, cochineal was highly valued by indigenous cultures like the Aztecs and Mayans for dyeing textiles, cosmetics, and paints. When the Spanish conquistadors encountered cochineal, they recognized its superior dyeing properties compared to European reds and began exporting it to Europe. It quickly became one of the most important and expensive dyes, used for royal robes, military uniforms, and artistic paints. The 'deep' descriptor emphasizes a richer, more saturated version of the classic carmine red, often leaning towards a slightly purplish-red rather than an orange-red.

First Recorded Use

The term 'carmine' for the pigment derived from cochineal insects became prominent in European languages after the 16th century, following the Spanish conquest of Mexico and the introduction of cochineal to Europe. 'Deep Carmine' as a specific shade descriptor would be a later refinement, likely 19th or 20th century.

Cultural Associations

Deep Carmine, like carmine itself, is associated with luxury, power, and passion due to its historical expense and intensity. It has been widely used in art, fashion, and cosmetics. In art, it provided a stable and brilliant red for painters. In fashion, it signified status and wealth. Its richness can evoke feelings of drama, sophistication, and intensity. It's a color often seen in traditional festive attire in various cultures where red holds significance.

Similar Named Colors

French Wine #AC1E44 ΔE 1.86
Vivid Burgundy #9F1D35 ΔE 2.66
Big Dip O’ruby #9C2542 ΔE 3.28
Japanese Carmine #9D2933 ΔE 4.33

Code Snippets

/* Background */
.element {
    background-color: #A9203E;
}

/* Text */
.element {
    color: #A9203E;
}

/* Border */
.element {
    border: 1px solid #A9203E;
}

/* Linear gradient to complementary */
.element {
    background: linear-gradient(
        to right,
        #A9203E,
        #20A98B
    );
}

/* Radial gradient */
.element {
    background: radial-gradient(
        circle,
        #A9203E,
        #20A98B
    );
}

// SCSS variable
$deep-carmine: #A9203E;

// With RGB channels (useful for rgba() usage)
$deep-carmine-r: 169;
$deep-carmine-g: 32;
$deep-carmine-b: 62;

// Usage
.element {
    background-color: $deep-carmine;
    color: rgba($deep-carmine-r, $deep-carmine-g, $deep-carmine-b, 0.8);
}