Brass
HEX: #B5A642 | Modern Palette
Color Specifications
#B5A642
181, 166, 66
52°, 46% ,48%
0, 8, 64, 29
About Brass
Brass (#B5A642) is a color with RGB(181, 166, 66) and HSL(52.2°, 46.6%, 48.4%). It is commonly associated with Earthy moods. In design, it fits Warm styles and is suitable for Text, Button, Logo. Its complementary color is #4251B5, which creates strong contrast. Its triadic palette includes #42B5A6 and #A642B5. The name comes from aes (Latin).
- HEX: #B5A642
- RGB: 181, 166, 66
- HSL: 52.2°, 46.6%, 48.4%
- Mood: Earthy
- Style: Warm
- Use case: Text, Button, Logo
- Complementary color: #4251B5
- Triadic colors: #42B5A6, #A642B5
- The name comes from aes (Latin).
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 #B5A642 from deepest shade to lightest tint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Name, History & Etymology
History
The word 'brass' in English has a somewhat complex etymology. It is believed to derive from the Old English word 'bræs', which itself has uncertain origins. Some theories suggest a Germanic root, possibly related to words for 'bright' or 'to shine'. However, the material brass (an alloy of copper and zinc) was known and used much earlier. The Latin 'aes' referred to copper and its alloys, including what we now distinguish as bronze and brass. The specific distinction between bronze (copper and tin) and brass (copper and zinc) became clearer over time, especially as zinc became more readily available and understood as a distinct element. Early uses of 'brass' in English likely encompassed both bronze and what we now call brass, with the more precise definition evolving.
First Recorded Use
Before 900 AD
Cultural Associations
Brass has been used for centuries across various cultures for its durability, workability, and aesthetic appeal. It's prominent in musical instruments (hence 'brass band'), decorative items, religious artifacts, and practical applications like hardware and coinage. Its golden appearance often associated it with wealth and prestige. In some cultures, brass objects were believed to have protective qualities. The phrase 'bold as brass' refers to its bright, unyielding nature.
Code Snippets
/* Background */
.element {
background-color: #B5A642;
}
/* Text */
.element {
color: #B5A642;
}
/* Border */
.element {
border: 1px solid #B5A642;
}/* Linear gradient to complementary */
.element {
background: linear-gradient(
to right,
#B5A642,
#4251B5
);
}
/* Radial gradient */
.element {
background: radial-gradient(
circle,
#B5A642,
#4251B5
);
}// SCSS variable
$brass: #B5A642;
// With RGB channels (useful for rgba() usage)
$brass-r: 181;
$brass-g: 166;
$brass-b: 66;
// Usage
.element {
background-color: $brass;
color: rgba($brass-r, $brass-g, $brass-b, 0.8);
}