blueblack

Blue-black is a color describing a very dark blue with a blackish undertone. It is not a single standardized color in most color systems, but rather a descriptive term used across art, design, fashion, and printing. The perceived shade can vary with lighting, surface material, and viewer perception, ranging from a deep navy to a hue that appears nearly black.

In color theory, blue-black is often viewed as a low-light value of a blue hue. It is typically produced by combining blue pigments with black or by using very dark blue pigments. Historically, blue-black pigments were formed from mixtures involving blue and carbon-based blacks; contemporary formulations use synthetic blues, such as phthalocyanine blue or ultramarine, blended with black pigments. In textiles and coatings, the term serves as a general reference rather than a fixed standard.

Usage and interpretation: The shade is associated with formality, depth, and understated elegance. It is common in fashion, upholstery, and graphic design where a restrained, sophisticated look is desired while maintaining some color presence. In printing and digital media, blue-black may render differently across devices, so designers often specify exact color values (for example, hex codes or Pantone references) to ensure consistency.

See also: navy, midnight blue, true black.