Aqua vs. Turquoise — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 21, 2023
Aqua and turquoise are both shades of blue-green, but they differ in their specific hues. Aqua is generally a lighter and brighter color with a balanced blend of blue and green, while turquoise leans more toward blue and often appears deeper and richer.
Difference Between Aqua and Turquoise
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Aqua and turquoise are both colors that sit between blue and green in the color spectrum, but they are not synonymous. Aqua is a color that combines blue and green in a balanced way, often leaning neither too blue nor too green. Turquoise, on the other hand, leans more toward the blue side and is often seen as a deeper, more saturated color.
The origin of the terms "aqua" and "turquoise" also offer insight into their respective colors. "Aqua" comes from Latin, meaning 'water,' which suggests a lighter, less intense color. "Turquoise" derives its name from the turquoise gemstone, which has a richer, more vibrant hue.
Both colors are frequently used in various design elements, including interior design, fashion, and branding. However, their different undertones mean they evoke different moods and feelings. Aqua often feels more refreshing and energetic, while turquoise is generally considered calming and sophisticated.
Aqua and turquoise also show up in different cultural contexts. For example, turquoise is more prevalent in southwestern U.S. culture and Native American jewelry, symbolizing various spiritual and cultural concepts. Aqua doesn't carry such specific cultural associations but is universally used in various fields, from science to arts, to indicate a range of blue-green shades.
Comparison Chart
Hue Balance
Balanced blue and green
Leans more towards blue
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Color Depth
Generally lighter
Usually deeper and richer
Origin
Latin for 'water'
Named after the turquoise gemstone
Mood/Feeling
Refreshing, energetic
Calming, sophisticated
Cultural Usage
Universally used
Common in southwestern U.S. culture
Compare with Definitions
Aqua
Commonly used in design and art.
The logo featured aqua to attract younger customers.
Turquoise
Commonly found in southwestern U.S. culture.
Turquoise is often used in Native American jewelry.
Aqua
A color often associated with water.
The aqua of the ocean was mesmerizing.
Turquoise
A color that symbolizes calmness and sophistication.
The company chose turquoise for its branding to appear reliable.
Aqua
A light and bright blue-green shade.
She wore an aqua dress that brightened her complexion.
Turquoise
Often a deeper, more saturated color.
The room had a calming turquoise wall.
Aqua
A balanced blend of blue and green.
The room was painted in a soothing aqua color.
Turquoise
Named after the turquoise gemstone.
The ring had a beautiful turquoise stone.
Aqua
A color that evokes freshness and energy.
The aqua accents in the kitchen made the space feel lively.
Turquoise
Turquoise is an opaque, blue-to-green mineral that is a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminium, with the chemical formula CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O. It is rare and valuable in finer grades and has been prized as a gemstone and ornamental stone for thousands of years owing to its unique hue. Like most other opaque gems, turquoise has been devalued by the introduction onto the market of treatments, imitations and synthetics.
Aqua
Water.
Turquoise
A greenish-blue colour
The turquoise waters of the bay
Aqua
An aqueous solution.
Turquoise
A semi-precious stone, typically opaque and of a greenish-blue or sky-blue colour, consisting of a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminium.
Aqua
A light bluish green to light greenish blue.
Turquoise
A blue to blue-green mineral of aluminum and copper, mainly CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O, prized as a gemstone in its polished blue form.
Aqua
(inorganic compound) The compound water.
Turquoise
A light to brilliant bluish green.
Aqua
A shade of colour, usually a mix of blue and green similar to the colour turquoise.
Turquoise
(countable) A sky-blue, greenish-blue, or greenish-gray semi-precious gemstone.
Aqua
Of a greenish-blue colour.
Turquoise
A pale greenish-blue colour, like that of the gemstone.
Aqua
Water; - a word much used in pharmacy and the old chemistry, in various signification, determined by the word or words annexed.
Turquoise
Made of turquoise (the gemstone).
Aqua
A shade of blue tinged with green
Turquoise
Having a pale greenish-blue colour.
Turquoise
A hydrous phosphate of alumina containing a little copper; calaite. It has a blue, or bluish green, color, and usually occurs in reniform masses with a botryoidal surface.
Turquoise
Having a fine light blue color, like that of choice mineral turquoise.
Turquoise
A blue to gray green mineral consisting of copper aluminum phosphate; blue turquoise is valued as a gemstone
Turquoise
A shade of blue tinged with green
Turquoise
A blue-green color leaning more toward blue.
The turquoise necklace caught everyone's attention.
Common Curiosities
What is turquoise?
Turquoise is a blue-green color that leans more toward blue and is named after the turquoise gemstone.
Which color is deeper, aqua or turquoise?
Turquoise is usually a deeper, richer color.
Which is lighter, aqua or turquoise?
Aqua is generally considered lighter and brighter.
What is aqua?
Aqua is a balanced blend of blue and green, often associated with water.
Is aqua used in specific cultures?
Aqua doesn't have strong cultural associations and is universally used.
Can I use aqua and turquoise interchangeably in design?
While similar, their different undertones can evoke different moods, so choose based on the effect you want.
Where does the term 'aqua' come from?
It originates from Latin, meaning 'water.'
Is turquoise more green or blue?
Turquoise leans more toward blue.
Where does the term 'turquoise' come from?
It's named after the turquoise gemstone.
How does aqua make you feel?
Aqua often feels refreshing and energetic.
Is aqua more green or blue?
Aqua is a balanced blend of blue and green.
Are aqua and turquoise the same?
No, they differ in their specific hues and what they represent.
What industries commonly use aqua and turquoise?
Both colors are widely used in design, fashion, and branding, with turquoise also being significant in jewelry.
Is turquoise associated with certain cultures?
Yes, it's prevalent in southwestern U.S. culture and Native American jewelry.
How does turquoise make you feel?
Turquoise is generally considered calming and sophisticated.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
