Welcome to our celebration of unique colors: names, illustrations and pictures, and descriptions galore, so you can live your more happily colorful life (or colourful life, if you’re British)! Maybe you’re exploring these for fashion, or graphic design, or home decor, or hair or nail colors — or perhaps seeking an exciting baby name — but whatever your aim, you’ve come to the right place.
As background, my name is Lillie, and I’m an artist and teacher who delights in doing hands-on investigations of every shade of the rainbow… and beyond. In this list, you’ll see just how wild art can get.
“Unique” Meaning
Let’s start this round-up by defining the term “unique,” since I am an English teacher, too. The word unique means: Different, special, one-of-a-kind, unusual, or remarkable. Something that is unique makes you squeal, “Ooh, I haven’t seen something like that before!”
What Makes These Colors Unique?
What, therefore, would constitute a “unique COLOR?” Well, unique colors are ones that you don’t see or hear about every day. We’re not talking about the red, yellow, and blue primary colors here.
Nor are we discussing the secondary colors like purple or orange. No — a unique color has a twist to it that make you gasp a little with delight. It’s thrillingly fresh, and may have a color name that’s equally “out there.”
Here’s an example: Midnight purple is a unique super-deep shade of purple. It’s not plain old purple, nor is it midnight blue (the dark night sky shade that most of us are familiar with). Isn’t that cool? Let’s see what other surprises are in store for us…
Unique Colors
Looking for exciting and unique colors to bring visual excitement and beauty? Here you go!
Azure Color
You know that vibrant blue of the sky on a perfectly clear day? That's azure blue! This color evokes natural relaxation and visions of vacation.
Viridian Color
The color viridian green is named for the Latin word, viridis, meaning "fresh and green." Indeed, this blueish-green with a touch of gray is like the rolling, lush hills of an idyllic pastoral scene.
Midnight Purple Color
Seeking a more unique color than midnight blue? Try midnight purple! This deep, rich shade is made by mixing black with purple, and has the advantage of being both professional and exciting. For extra flair, sprinkle in some sparkles to hint at stars in the night sky!
Vermilion Color
Made by mixing red and orange together, vermilion is a fiery reddish-orange that turns up the heat! Use it sparingly for accent colors, or go full out in a dress of this shade to turn heads.
Chartreuse Color
The intermediate color called chartreuse is created by swirling together the primary color, yellow, with the secondary color, green. The result is a neon-bright yellowish-green that shines loud and clear!
Terracotta Color
Into more earthy, relaxing hues? Mix together brown and orange to get terracotta color: a brownish-orange that provides a welcoming nature vibe.
Salmon Color
Swirl together pink and orange, and you get the pinkish-orange known as salmon! Yes, it's the same color as certain versions of the delectable fish.
Mint Green Color
Want a fresh yet relaxing color? Check out mint green: a light, slightly blue and gray-tinged hue that reminds one of minty ice cream or toothpaste. It's a much less in-your-face bright option for light greens than chartreuse.
Amber Color
Whirling together yellow and orange creates amber color: a bright yellowish orange that exudes warmth. It's named for amber, the gemstone formed from fossilized tree resin that makes for beautiful jewelry.
Teal Color
The intermediate color (sometimes called a tertiary color, in some models) called teal is the fabulous combo of green plus blue. Teal is the all-star unique color, as far as I'm concerned, because it's so beautiful and versatile. It's fun and enjoyable, but not overly flashy or jarring. Teal is wonderful in fashion, graphic design, home decor, art, and more.
Fuchsia Color
Speaking of flashy colors... yay for fuchsia! Once you get over how hard it is to spell (click this article for tips on how to remember it), this blazingly bright purplish-pink is the life of the party.
Unique Colors, in Sum
I hope this exploration of unique colors — names, descriptions, and illustrations included — has introduced you to some truly special shades, from fuchsia pink color to mint. Which of the colors on this list is YOUR favorite, and why?
I’m particularly partial to viridian color, myself! What else should I add to this list? Do share…
Want more? Check out my round-up of the specific niche of bright colors!
The author and artist, Lillie Marshall, is a National Board Certified Teacher of English who has been a public school educator since 2003, and an experienced Reiki practitioner since 2018. All art on this site is original and hand-drawn by Lillie. She launched DrawingsOf.com Educational Cartoons in 2020, building upon the success of her other sites, AroundTheWorldL.com (established 2009), TeachingTraveling.com (founded 2010), and ReikiColors.com. Subscribe to Lillie’s monthly newsletter, and follow @WorldLillie on social media to stay connected!
