100+ Rare colors to intrigue and inspire

Q: What’s the difference between a color and a pigment?

Color refers to the subjective perception of light, while pigments are substances that selectively absorb and reflect light to create the appearance of color in materials. Pigments are one means of achieving color, but color can also be produced through other mechanisms such as structural coloration (e.g. the appearance of blue seen in butterfly wings).

Q: What’s the difference between a tint, shade, and tone?

A tint is a color mixed with white (to make it lighter). A shade is a color mixed with black (to make it darker). And a tone is a color mixed with gray (to make it softer or muted in intensity).

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Written by Andruid

15 min read

Published Jul 1, 2022

Updated Jul 12, 2026

Bonus Content, Ideas & Lists, Writing

Spice up your writing with this updated list of over 100 rare colors. Some etymology and tips for usage included.

If you’ve ever found yourself bored of using the same old colors to describe things, today’s post on rare colors is for you.

When I say “rare,” I generally mean words that aren’t used in everyday conversation.

The rare color words in this list can be used to describe all sorts of things, not just rooms and objects.

How you use them is entirely up to you, but I do provide etymology hints, as well as a few pointers at the end of this post.

UPDATE 6/28/26: I’ve added a section for rare rainbow color terms at the end of the list, after metallic colors!

About this list of rare color terms

For ease of browsing, I’ve grouped the rare colors in this list by color category. Some colors might fall into more than one category (e.g. shades of reddish-orange could be either red or orange).

In such cases, I just picked whatever seemed most appropriate.

As for the rarity of the terms in this list, I simply tried to select a variety of interesting color words. If you’re well-read or do a lot of design work with color palettes, you may find that you already know several of the terms listed.

However, I did my best to include a few particularly rare items, as well. And don’t forget to check out the FAQ (trivia) at the end of this post. Enjoy!

Rare red colors

Red color meanings

Red colors often symbolize power, passion, energy, and intensity. In Western cultures, red signifies love and danger, while in many Asian cultures, it represents good fortune and joy, especially during festivals.

Rare shades of red

Here are some rare red color names to know:

amaranth – reddish-rose or reddish-purple color, named after the flower of the amaranth plant
cardinal – vivid red, like the bird
carmine – deep red, though some varieties may include a tiny bit of purple
cinabrese – pale reddish-orange, after a flesh-colored pigment used by Italian Renaissance painters
cinnabar – see vermillion below (and link to etymology)
coquelicot – bright red, named after a French word for poppy
crimson – deep, rich red with a hint of blue, often associated with royalty and luxury
sorrel – reddish-brown, from horses of that color
stammel – wine red, named after a coarse cloth used for medieval undergarments
titian – reddish-brown, named after a Renaissance painter
vermillion – bright red, sometimes slightly orange

Rare orange colors

Orange color meanings

Orange colors are typically associated with warmth, creativity, and enthusiasm. In Eastern cultures, orange is linked with spirituality and transformation, often seen in robes of Buddhist monks. In Western cultures, it can symbolize adventure and social communication.

Rare shades of orange

Here are some rare orange color names to know:

amber – golden yellow-orange, named after fossilized tree sap, which is used to make jewelry
fawn – pale shade of yellowish-brown or dark orange, both of which are found on the spotted coat of fawns (young deer)
gamboge – yellow-orange used to dye Buddhist monks’ robes, named after the tree most commonly tapped to make the pigment
jacinthe – vivid yellowish-orange, from a French name for hyacinth
madder – orange-red, named after the plant used to make the dye (from its root)
mahogany – golden-red or reddish-brown, named after mahogany wood; when referring to paints, mahogany is often a very dark reddish-brown
nacarat – bright orange, sometimes with a reddish tint
persimmon – bright orange, after the persimmon fruit
sinopia – reddish-orange or reddish-brown, “red earth” or “red ochre” color used in Classical Antiquity through the Renaissance; fairly synonymous with the pigment known as Venetian red
tangelo – bold orange, named after the fruit (a hybrid between orange and tangerine)

Rare yellow colors

Yellow color meanings

Yellow colors generally represent happiness, intellect, and energy. Universally, yellow is associated with sunlight and cheerfulness. In many Asian cultures, yellow holds a special place, symbolizing royalty and prosperity. In Western cultures, it can also signify caution and cowardice.

Rare shades of yellow and gold

Here are some rare yellow color names to know:

aureolin – medium yellow, named after a pigment similar to canary yellow
champagne – pale yellow, after the bubbly drink
citron – dark yellow, named after the fruit
fulvous – brownish-yellow, see also tawny below
jonquil – golden-yellow, after the flower (a species of daffodil)
ochre – yellow-brown, but see this page for other varieties, e.g. “red ochre”
saffron – yellow-orange, named after the spice
sarcoline – pale yellow-beige color used to describe some lighter skin tones; comes from the Greek word “sarx,” meaning flesh or meat
tawny – brownish-yellow, usually, but see this list for other possibilities

Rare green colors

Green color meanings

Green colors often symbolize nature, growth, and harmony. In many cultures, green is associated with renewal and life. In Irish culture, it is connected with national pride and the lush landscape. In Islamic culture, green is a sacred color, symbolizing paradise and spiritual growth.

Rare shades of green

Here are some rare green color names to know:

celadon – pale green or gray-green, like the pottery
chartreuse – yellowish-green, like the French liqueur
kombu – dark green, the Japanese name for edible kelp
lovat – grayish-green used in woolen textiles
paris green – blue-green to deep green, after a toxic inorganic powder used as a pigment and insecticide
sage – gray-green or silver-green, like the plant
skobeloff – rich, bluish-green color with a hint of darkness
smaragdine – deep green, after the Latin word for “emerald”
tilleul – pale yellowish-green, named after the lime tree
viridian – blue-green

Rare blue colors

Blue color meanings

Blue colors typically evoke calmness, trust, and serenity. In Western cultures, blue symbolizes stability and depth, often associated with the sky and sea. In many cultures, blue represents tranquility and is used in healing rituals. In Hinduism, blue is the color of Krishna, symbolizing divine love and joy.

Rare shades of blue

Here are some rare blue color names to know:

azure – deep, sky-blue color
celeste – sky blue
cerulean – similar to azure but a little lighter (thank you, Crayola)
cornflower – medium-to-light blue, named after the flower
glaucous – hazy, grayish-blue, like the foggy sheen on plums and grapes
indigo – deep purplish-blue, named after the plant used to make dye
mazarine – deep blue color used in textiles and ceramics
phthalo – blue-green, from the family of synthetic pigments made from copper phthalocyanine
ultramarine – intense blue
YInMn Blue – intense, near-perfect blue with IR reflective properties, discovered in 2009
zaffre – deep cobalt blue, from the Persian word “zāfira,” which means “sapphire”

If the science behind the color blue intrigues you, definitely check out the FAQs at the end of this post!

Rare purple colors

Purple color meanings

Purple colors are often linked to royalty, luxury, and spirituality. Historically, purple dye was expensive and reserved for nobility. In Western cultures, it signifies power and wealth. In Eastern cultures, purple can represent spirituality and meditation, often associated with wisdom and enlightenment.

Rare shades of purple

Here are some rare purple color names to know:

aubergine – dark purple, another word for eggplant
byzantium – a rich, dark purple with a hint of red, named after the ancient city
claret – dark reddish-purple, like the wine
heliotrope – a vibrant purple with pinkish undertones, named after the flower
lilac – pale blueish-purple, named after the flower
mauve – grayish-purple
mulberry – a vibrant reddish-purple, named after the fruit
orchid – a medium to light purple with pink and blue undertones, named after the flower
periwinkle – a soft, pastel purple with a bluish tint, named after the flower
puce – brownish-purple
thistle – a light purple with a slight grayish tone, named after the flower
tyrian – deep reddish-purple that originated in ancient Phoenicia
ultraviolet – intense blueish-purple
wisteria – a light to medium purple, named after the flowering plant

If you’re wondering why so many shades of purple are named after flowers, check out the FAQs at the end of this post!

Rare black colors

Black color meanings

Black colors typically symbolize elegance, mystery, and sophistication. In Western cultures, black is often associated with formality and mourning. In many African cultures, black signifies maturity and age, often representing the wisdom of ancestors. In Japanese culture, black can symbolize nobility and experience.

Rare shades of black

Here are some rare black color names to know:

coal – matte black, like coal
corbeau – black with green or blue, from the color of crows (corvids)
ebony – black with olive undertones, named after a dense type of ornamental wood
ink – a dark, intense black, often with a bluish undertone, reminiscent of black ink used in writing or printing
jet – a deep, pure black, named after the lignite mineral used in jewelry, which is a precursor to coal
obsidian – black, sometimes with purple undertones, named after the igneous rock
onyx – deep black, named after the gemstone, a form of chalcedony
piceous – glossy brownish-black, resembling pitch (pitch is also used as a color)
sable – black used in heraldry, may have some brown, like a sable’s pelt
Vantablack – an extremely dark black, known as one of the darkest artificial substances

See the FAQs end of this post for a brief discussion on whether white and black are considered colors.

Rare white colors

White color meanings

White colors often represent purity, simplicity, and peace. In Western cultures, white is associated with weddings and new beginnings. In many Asian cultures, white is the color of mourning and funerals, symbolizing death and rebirth. In Middle Eastern cultures, white can represent purity and hospitality.

Rare shades of white

Here are some rare white color names to know:

alabaster – white with a very pale yellow or pink tint
albescent – shading into or becoming white
albugineous – white, used to describe anatomical features, such as fibers or fluids (e.g. white of the eye)
cornsilk – silky yellowish-white, describes the color of corn silk (the thread-like stuff that surrounds the corncob)
eburnean – ivory white, from the Latin word meaning “resembling ivory”; the term can also be used to describe something as pure, pristine, or elegant
magnolia – a creamy white with a hint of yellow or pink, named after the petals of the magnolia flower
niveous – snowy or resembling snow, often used to describe a pure, untainted white
porcelain – white, often used to describe delicate things or very pale skin

Rare gray colors

Gray color meanings

Gray colors usually convey neutrality, balance, and sophistication. In Western cultures, gray is seen as a neutral, professional color (did you ever see that episode of Futurama about the Neutrals?). In Japanese culture, gray can symbolize understated elegance and the natural world. In many cultures, gray represents ambiguity and the blending of extremes.

Rare shades of gray

Here are some rare gray color names to know:

battleship – a medium gray with a bluish tint, often associated with naval ships
cinereous – ash gray, sometimes gray-brown, from the Latin word for ashes
drab – a dull, light brownish-gray, often used to describe uninteresting or dreary things
feldgrau – grayish green, from the German word for “field green.” Feldgrau was the color of choice for German uniforms during WWI and WWII.
gossamer – greyish-white, like a spider’s web
greige – grayish-beige, a portmanteau of gray and beige
isabelline – pale yellowish-gray, used to describe plumage, horse coats, and textiles used in fashion
livid – a grayish-blue or grayish-purple, often used to describe the color of bruises or contusions
pumice – a light, ashy gray, named after the volcanic rock

Is it gray or grey?

Either! Gray is more common in American English, while grey is more common in British English.

Rare metallic colors

Metallic color meanings

Metallic colors often suggest wealth, craftsmanship, and durability. Because metals are used in tools, jewelry, armor, and sacred objects, they frequently carry associations of power, prestige, and reverence. In more modern or futuristic settings, metallic hues can also imply technology, machinery, and sleek design.

Rare metallic shades

Here are some metallic color names to know, including ones moved from earlier sections:

acier – steel-gray or blue-gray, from the French word for steel
argent – white or silver, used in heraldry (similar to “or”)
aureate – gold, golden; from the Latin word for “golden”
electrum – pale yellowish-gold, named after a natural alloy of gold and silver used in ancient coins
gunmetal – medium gray, sometimes with a greenish undertone; named after the alloy used in firearms and machinery
or – yellow or gold, used in heraldry
orichalcum – a legendary metal described in Classical sources, often imagined as a warm, rich gold or bronze
ormolu – rich gilded-gold color associated with decorative gilt bronze in furniture and clocks
pewter – flat gray, named after a tin alloy
pinchbeck – bright yellow-gold, named after a copper–zinc alloy once used as imitation gold in jewelry
spelter – dull bluish-gray, named after a zinc-based alloy used in inexpensive cast metal objects
zinc – a bluish-white, named after the metal zinc, often used in galvanizing

Rainbow color meanings

Color terms that evoke more than one color can add something special to your writing. These rare terms are often used to make something seem mesmerizing, exotic, or unique. They can also convey a sense of vibrancy or dynamism – especially colors that shift or change with the light.

Rare rainbow color words

As a bonus, here are 10 rare rainbow terms that can be used to describe things that hold more than one color:

chatoyant – displaying bands of color due to the way light is reflected from the surface, such as from a Tiger’s eye gemstone – “chat” means “cat” in French.
iridescent – displaying a rainbow of colors, from the root word “iris” which means “rainbow” in Greek.
iridian – rainbowlike or having to do with rainbows.
kaleidoscopic – displaying many or changing colors, as in a kaleidoscope.
motley – as in a “motley of colors”, marked by a patchwork of colors; the traditional costume of a court jester. Can also mean “incongruously varied in appearance.”
nacreous – resembling mother-of-pearl (nacre).
opalescent – iridescent; displaying a rainbow of colors, possibly with flecks (as in the gem opal).
pearlescent – iridescent; displaying a rainbow of colors, typically with a soft luster or sheen as seen in pearls. Pearlescent is an adjective often applied to vehicle paint jobs and lustrous two-toned fabrics such as taffeta.
polychromatic – many-colored; in the art world, commonly describes art or photography that uses two or more colors as opposed to just one color (monochromatic).
variegated – marked by a variety of colors, often in streaks – such as with variegated plant leaves.

How to use the rare color names in this list

It’s worth noting that some of the rare colors listed here are more obscure than others.

Depending on your audience, some readers may find the words strange, confusing, outdated, or even pretentious!

If your readers aren’t receptive, the words in this list might annoy them more than intrigue them. Your writing might come across as pretentious or unnecessarily high-brow.

If that’s the case, choose carefully and use sparingly.

On the other hand, if your audience is the type to enjoy obscure words they’ve never heard of before, feel free to use rare colors in this list with abandon. Every audience is different.

Tips to familiarize readers with rare colors

If you’re concerned about being understood, you can help readers along by including the basic color term after the adjective.

For example, instead of writing just “saffron,” you can write “saffron yellow.” Instead of “sage,” you can write “sage green.” This way, even if they don’t know that saffron is an orange-yellow spice or that sage is a silver-green herb, they still know what basic color you’re talking about.

Once your audience has been introduced to these new colors, you can use the lesser-known terms more freely in your writing.

Good use of context can also help your readers become more receptive and less resistant to unfamiliar words. (See also the tip on “show, don’t tell” in my post on writing room descs.)

When to use the rare color words in this list

I recommend using the colors in this list whenever you want to spice up your writing. Especially if you spend much time describing areas, clothing, and other objects for a text-based RPG.

Writing the same words over and over can really reduce one’s enthusiasm and motivation for a project.

The same is true for readers and their reading material!

Readers’ eyes will gloss over if they read the words “azure sky” and “verdant grass” over and over. Tossing in some variety can help hold your readers’ attention – and yours!

Additional resources for writers and roleplayers

I hope you enjoyed this list of rare color terms! If you did, you may also like these other lists I created:

For color basics, such as the difference between a tint, shade, and tone, check out this Wikipedia page. You might also like the Color Meanings blog, which includes lots of articles about color, the meaning of color, and color ideas.

Thanks for reading, and until next time!

About Andruid

Andruid (she/her) is a writer, roleplayer, storyteller, and nerd who tries to live by Bill and Ted wisdom, i.e. "Be excellent to each other." 🎸 She created Writing Games to share lessons learned and to introduce new players to the world of text-based games. Learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the rarest color in nature?

Blue is considered the rarest naturally occurring color when referring to pigments. Animals and insects that appear blue tend to mimic blue pigment through structural means.

Because of its rarity and costliness, blue dye was often reserved for royalty in ancient times.

What’s the rarest color in the world?

Blue pigments are thought to be some of the rarest in the world. A modern example is YInMn blue (pronounced “in-min blue”). YInMn blue is a vibrant, near-perfect blue pigment that was discovered in 2009 by chemists at Oregon State University.

Unlike other blue pigments used throughout history, such as cobalt blue, YInMn blue is not toxic to humans.

What’s the difference between a color and a pigment?

Color refers to the subjective perception of light, while pigments are substances that selectively absorb and reflect light to create the appearance of color in materials.

Pigments are one means of achieving color, but color can also be produced through other mechanisms such as structural coloration (e.g. the appearance of blue seen in butterfly wings).

What’s the difference between a tint, shade, and tone?

A tint is a color mixed with white (to make it lighter). A shade is a color mixed with black (to make it darker). And a tone is a color mixed with gray (to make it softer or muted in intensity).

Are black and white considered colors?

Depends on who you ask. In art, white is treated as the absence of color. However, in science, white light includes the entire color spectrum, while black is the absence of light – and therefore color.

This is why you might get a different answer to the question, “Are black and white colors?” depending on who you’re talking to (an artist or a scientist)!

Is Vantablack the blackest black?

Created for space exploration, Vantablack holds the record for being one of the darkest substances created by humans. Made from nano-materials, it has an extremely high light absorption capability, absorbing over 99.9% of visible light and giving it the appearance of a black hole.

This makes Vantablack one of the closest approximations to a “perfect black” that has ever been achieved by humans.

Is magenta a real color?

Although well-known for its presence on the color wheel, magenta does not exist as a visible wavelength. Humans only perceive magenta as a distinct color due to the way our visual system processes and combines different wavelengths of light (red and blue).

For this reason, magenta is known as an “extra-spectral color.”

Why are so many purple colors named after flowers?

Flowers like lilac, lavender, orchid, and wisteria are among the few naturally occurring sources of purple. This rarity makes the purple shades of these flowers particularly memorable and distinctive.

The use of flower names for colors often dates back to times when dyes and pigments were made from natural sources. Flowers like lavender and orchids were used to create dyes, making their names synonymous with the colors they produced.