This post may contain affiliate links. If you click one, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Here's more details on how we make money.
Indigo is a deep blue-violet hue that has been used for centuries to represent authority, spirituality and mystery. It also has strong associations with creativity, imagination and wisdom.
As color experts, we know that indigo is created by combining equal parts of blue and violet on the color wheel. In terms of code, it can be defined as #4b0082 in hexadecimal or 75,0,130 in RGB values.
Further reading: 50+ Shades of Indigo Color
History of Color Indigo
Indigo has been utilized for thousands of years, and is a deep blue shade. Its name originated from the plant Indigofera tinctoria, which was used to create the dye. This dyeing process was initially developed in India and then spread to other parts of Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and eventually the Americas.
Indigo became an important trade commodity with European powers creating plantations in their colonies just to cultivate it for export. In the 18th and 19th centuries indigo was also a major cash crop in America's south where they grew it on large plantations using enslaved labor.
Later on when synthetic indigo dyes were created around the late 19th century this made cultivating indigo less profitable so this industry declined significantly. Nowadays indigo is still used to dye textiles and fabrics as well as for producing blue jeans. Its popularity in art and design continues to be strong too.
The exact spot that indigo occupies on the color spectrum though is disputed with some sources placing it between 420-450 nanometers while others believe its 445-464 nanometers instead. Isaac Newton included indigo as one of the seven fundamental colors in his color wheel alongside orange being placed as two semi tones together.
More about Indigo: 25+ Best Indigo Color Palettes
Indigo Color Meaning
The color Indigo is a mysterious hue that has been symbolic of royalty, wisdom, and introspection for centuries. It can often be seen in branding to evoke a sense of luxury and sophistication, representing high-end products and services. In terms of personality type, individuals with an indigo aura are typically intuitive, independent, visionary, and sensitive.
This royal blue-violet shade also has calming effects on the mind and body, inspiring creativity and promoting focus. Explore this article further to learn more about the psychological and emotional effects of indigo as well as its meaning.
Psychological and Emotional Effects of Color Indigo
- Calming: Indigo can have a soothing effect on the mind and body, reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.
- Inspiring: Indigo can stimulate creativity and imagination, encouraging inspiration and originality.
- Focused: Indigo is associated with concentration and mental clarity, helping to improve focus and productivity.
- Introspective: Indigo can encourage self-reflection and introspection, promoting personal growth and insight.
Calming
Indigo is a deep, dark blue color that can have a calming effect on the mind and body. It’s associated with relaxation and tranquility, providing soothing vibes for those feeling overwhelmed or anxious.
Studies have shown that indigo has been linked to reducing stress, anxiety, and even depression. Its gentle yet powerful energy helps to relax the body and mind while also increasing focus and concentration.
In addition to its calming effects, indigo is known for being a color of intuition and insight. It encourages self-reflection and introspection which can help to gain deeper understanding of oneself. This in turn leads to personal growth as we come to terms with our true selves.
Inspiring
Indigo is an inspiring color that can be used to evoke creativity and imagination. It has long been associated with originality, encouraging individuals to think outside the box when it comes to expressing themselves. Whether through art or writing, music or design – indigo stimulates people into action.
As a hue of visionaries and forward thinkers, indigo promotes progressivism within society. Thinking beyond what’s currently present gives us an opportunity for advancement – both individually and collectively.
Focused
The rich hue of indigo has often been linked to improved concentration and mental clarity. It has the ability to sharpen one’s focus so they are able stay on task more efficiently without getting distracted by external factors.
The calming effect of this color also plays a role in improving productivity as it reduces stress levels which in turn makes it easier for us to concentrate on the job at hand.
As well as its ability to improve focus, indigo can also be beneficial when it comes making decisions. By connecting deeply with our inner voice, we are less likely succumb to impulsive reactions based off emotions rather than logical thinking.
Introspective
Indigo is all about introspection; looking inside ourselves instead of searching externally for answers. Reflecting on our thoughts, feelings, behaviours – everything! Through this process we start uncovering hidden truths about ourselves which may not necessarily be pleasant but will lead us towards greater understanding over time.
Indigos, as some call them, tend towards introversion rather than extroversion as their strong internal processing capabilities make them more suited towards solitary activities. They typically like going out alone, such as taking walks in nature or exploring new places by themselves.
Introverted activities such as reading books, journaling, and thinking allow them to space away from the hustle bustle of everyday life.
Color Indigo's Symbolic Meaning
- Royalty: Indigo has long been associated with royalty and nobility, symbolizing wealth and power.
- Wisdom: Indigo is also linked to wisdom and intellect, representing knowledge and learning.
- Mystery: Indigo can be mysterious and elusive, representing the unknown and the unseen.
- Elegance: Indigo is often used in high-end fashion and design, symbolizing sophistication and elegance.
Royalty
Indigo conveys royalty, nobility, luxury, sophistication and elegance. Historically, only kings were allowed to wear clothing made out of fabrics dyed using this particular shade - thus emphasizing their wealth & power among commoners. Even today many high end fashion houses use this colour heavily in their designs because it symbolizes opulence & grandeur.
It's no surprise then why companies use indigo in branding - creating an image around trustworthiness & dependability since those traits are highly sought after by customers especially when making large purchases or investing money into something big (like buying property ). By associating your company/brand with these qualities you're essentially showing potential buyers/investors that you're worth spending money on.
Wisdom
Indigo is also associated with wisdom and knowledge. It’s a color of deep understanding, representing the desire to seek out answers and uncover hidden truths. This makes it an ideal hue for those who take an academic approach to life, studying and researching topics in order to gain greater insight.
Mystery
Indigo is mysterious, enigmatic and elusive – qualities that have intrigued people throughout the ages because of its ability to evoke curiosity. It’s often described as a “color between colors” which speaks volumes about its unique nature.
Elegance
As mentioned before, indigo has been traditionally linked with aristocracy & luxury. Its use in fashion and design emphasizes sophistication and elegance - making it perfect for high end brands wanting to portray themselves as something special.
On a psychological level, using this colour helps us feel confident and secure when dealing with important matters such as business negotiations or job interviews. Having this sense of assurance goes far beyond mere aesthetics & gives us the courage we need in stressful situations.
Spiritual Meaning of Color Indigo
- Heavenly: In the Bible, indigo is associated with the heavens, representing the divine and the spiritual.
- Holiness: Indigo can also symbolize purity and holiness, representing righteousness and goodness.
- Authority: Indigo is sometimes linked to authority and power, representing God's sovereignty and rule.
- Revelation: Indigo can be a color of revelation and prophecy, representing God's communication with humanity.
Heavenly
Indigo has long been associated with the heavens, representing a connection to divine and spiritual realms. In many religious texts, indigo is referred to as “the color of the gods” – signifying its strong association with higher powers.
Holiness
The holy connotations surrounding indigo are undeniable - it's often used to portray righteousness & purity. This makes it ideal for those looking express their devotion or dedication towards something greater than themselve , such as religion or philosophy.
Authority
Indigo is also linked to authority and power. As one of the oldest colors known to man, it commands respect and admiration due its vast history and deep symbolism. Its use within branding also gives off a feeling of control which helps establish credibility within a market.
Its authoritative qualities puts it at odds with other hues such as red or yellow – both of which tend to evoke feelings of excitement or impulsiveness rather than stability and security.
Revelation
In many religious texts, indigo represents revelation and prophecy. Using this colour invites on a spiritual journey towards self-discovery where we're encouraged explore thoughts and emotions.
Color Indigo Personality Type
- Intuitive: Indigo is often associated with intuitive and empathetic individuals, who are in touch with their emotions and the emotions of others.
- Independent: Indigo personality types are often independent and unconventional, with a strong sense of individuality and self-expression.
- Visionary: Indigo personality types can be visionary and forward-thinking, with a focus on innovation and progress.
- Sensitive: Indigo personality types may also be highly sensitive, both emotionally and physically.
Intuitive
Indigo is associated with intuitive and empathetic individuals. Those who are in tune with their own emotions and the feelings of others possess a sense of understanding that makes them more compassionate towards those around them.
Independent
Indigos tend towards independence and individuality. They're less likely conform to society's norms & instead rely on their own judgement when making decisions. This fearlessness allows them tackle difficult tasks without feeling overwhelmed - something which other personality types may struggle with.
Visionary
As mentioned before, indigo has been linked to visionaries and innovators throughout history. It encourages individuals to think outside the box – providing creative solutions for problems or ideas that hadn’t previously existed.
Sensitive
Indigo is connected to sensitivity; both emotionally & physically. Those who identify with this colour typically feel deeply about things - having strong reactions (both good & bad ) when exposed certain stimuli. This heightened awareness means they need space away from external chaos order recharge & process what's going on inside themselves.
Color Indigo in Business and Branding
- Luxury: Indigo is often used in branding to evoke a sense of luxury and sophistication, representing high-end products and services.
- Technology: Indigo can also be associated with technology and innovation, representing cutting-edge advancements and progress.
- Trust: Indigo is sometimes used in branding to create a sense of trust and reliability, representing stability and dependability.
- Creativity: Indigo can also be used to represent creativity and originality, appealing to artistic and imaginative audiences.
Luxury
Indigo is often used in branding to evoke a sense of luxury and sophistication, representing high-end products and services. Its association with royalty and nobility gives it an air of exclusivity – making customers feel as though they’re buying into something special.
Using indigo within marketing materials can also help to create a feeling of trustworthiness. By conveying feelings of security & stability you’ll ensure potential buyers that their money is being spent on something reliable - giving them more confidence in your services/products.
Technology
Indigo has become increasingly linked to technology & innovation over the years . As advancements are made , so too does our understanding how this colour can be used effectively when creating digital experiences .
Companies looking stay ahead curve should consider using indigo within their branding strategies. This hue represents progressiveness & modernity which will attract those who appreciate cutting edge solutions - helping you stand out from amongst competitors.
Trust
Indigo can also be used in branding to create a sense of trust & reliability , representing stability and dependability. Customers want reassurance when spending money on something so incorporating this hue into your company's visual identity will show potential buyers that you're trustworthy source for whatever product/service they may need.
Creativity
Indigo symbolizes creativity and originality. It appeals those with artistic mindsets , encouraging them explore different ideas and come up unique solutions. Businesses wanting target this type audience would benefit from incorporating indigo into their marketing materials - showing potential customers that you understand how important it is express yourself through creative outlets.
Indigo Color Code
The color code #4b0082, also known as Indigo, is a dark violet color. In the RGB color space, it is composed of 29.4% red, 0% green, and 51% blue. In the CMYK color space, it is composed of 42.3% cyan, 100% magenta, 0% yellow, and 49% black. Its hue angle is 274.6 degrees, with a saturation of 100% and a lightness of 25.5%.
Shades of Indigo and Their Meaning
Indigo is a deep and rich color that has been used for centuries in art, fashion, and decoration. It is often associated with creativity, wisdom, stability, insightfulness, and intuition. Here are some shades of indigo and their meanings:
- Dark Indigo: This shade of indigo is associated with depth, power, intensity, strength of character, trustworthiness, and loyalty.
- Royal Indigo: Royal indigo symbolizes nobility, sophistication and elegance.
- Mystic Indigo: Mystic indigo embodies the spiritual realm - it’s mysterious yet calming.
- Purple-Blue (Periwinkle): Periwinkle combines both purple and blue to form a light shade of indigo which signifies youthfulness as well as introspection.
- Electric Blue-Violet: :This bold color represents clarity of thought as well as inspiration.
Indigo Color Phrases/Quotes
"True blue indigo" - A phrase that means being loyal and steadfast, as well as representing the deep shade of blue in indigo dye.
"Indigo blues" - Refers to feeling down or depressed, often associated with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) during winter months.
"The color of royalty: Indigo" - Suggests that this rich and regal hue represents power, wealth, and prestige.
"Into the indigo abyss"- Describes a journey into the unknown or uncharted territory where one may experience both fear and excitement.
"Indigo dreams" - Refers to having vivid and creative thoughts while asleep which are colored in shades of indigo.
"Out of the blue into an indigo sea"- A metaphorical expression for diving headfirst into something new or unexpected but also exciting.
"Indi-go-go!"- An enthusiastic phrase used to express eagerness about starting something new or taking on a challenge with gusto.
The Meaning of Color Indigo - Conclusion
Indigo is a deep and mysterious color, often associated with intuition, power, and creativity. It has both spiritual and practical meanings—it is the color of truth-seeking, deep thought, inner wisdom, and healing. It can be used to evoke feelings of calmness, confidence, intensity, and strength.
As it spans the spectrum between blue and violet on the visible light spectrum, indigo has a deep connection to both physical sight and spiritual vision. Its hue can also be seen as a bridge between two worlds: that of physical reality and that of metaphysical realms.
Indigo’s rich history stretches back thousands of years; in ancient times it was believed to represent royalty or signify wealth due to its rarity. In modern times it continues to carry these associations while also symbolizing freedom from conventionality or societal norms.
It can help us explore our personal boundaries in order to reach new heights of self-expression. No matter how you interpret it, indigo is sure to make an impact.
