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Click the COLORS to reveal
Mauve was a Happy Accident
The dusty mauve in this palette was the world's first synthetic dye. It was invented by mistake in 1856 by an 18-year-old student trying to cure malaria.
Teal is Named After a Duck
Unlike most colors named after flowers or gems, Teal gets its name from a freshwater duck that sports a distinctive blue-green stripe around its eyes.
Pink Used to be for Boys
In the 1920s, pink was considered a strong color derived from red and assigned to boys, while delicate blue was preferred for girls.
Why Sage Looks Dusty
Sage green appears muted because the real leaves are covered in microscopic hairs. These hairs scatter sunlight, turning the bright green plant a soft, silvery grey.
The Bakery Effect
Warm creams and peaches are proven to stimulate appetite by mimicking bread and sweets. This is why bakeries use these tones instead of blue, which suppresses hunger.
Coral is Deep-Sea Camouflage
Bright coral is actually stealthy. Red light waves disappear first underwater, so this vibrant color looks like a dull, dark grey to predators in the deep ocean.
Steel Blue is Industrial
This is the only color on the list born from industry. It mimics bluing, a chemical process used by blacksmiths to rust-proof steel.
Grey is a Visual Palate Cleanser
Artists and photographers use neutral grey to reset their eyes. It helps them judge light and color balance accurately without bias.
The White Paradox
While the West treats white as a celebratory color, many Eastern cultures wear it for mourning. Scientifically, it isn't a single color, but the reflection of all light waves at once.
