violet

Violet is a color at the short-wavelength end of the visible spectrum. In physics it denotes light with wavelengths about 380 to 450 nanometers. In everyday language, violet is often described as a deep bluish-purple, and it is sometimes confused with purple. Spectrally, violet is a true color of light; purple is a non-spectral hue produced by mixing red and blue.

Perception involves stimulation of the retina’s short-wavelength (S) cones. Because of the way human vision works, violet can appear adjacent to blue and the exact shade varies with lighting and the observer’s sensitivity.

The word violet derives from Latin viola, via Old French violette, and entered English in the medieval period. The term is also used for the violet flower and related plants, such as violets and lavender.

In nature and culture, violet appears in flowers, minerals, and some gemstones. In art and design, violet sits between blue and purple on the color wheel and is often associated with softness, spirituality, or mystery. It is used in branding and signaling to convey calmness or elegance in some contexts.

Color systems and production: On digital displays, violet is generated by mixing red and blue light in the RGB model; in printing, violet-like tones are produced with magenta and blue or by pigment blends. Some pigments labeled violet reflect non-spectral hues, making precise violet tones a matter of context and medium.