Ochre
HEX: #CC7722 | Modern Palette
Color Specifications
#CC7722
204, 119, 34
30°, 71% ,46%
0, 42, 83, 20
About Ochre
Ochre (#CC7722) is a color with RGB(204, 119, 34) and HSL(30°, 71.4%, 46.7%). It is commonly associated with Energetic moods. In design, it fits Vivid, Warm styles and is suitable for Text, Button, Accent. Its complementary color is #2277CC, which creates strong contrast. Its triadic palette includes #22CC77 and #7722CC. The name comes from ὤχρα (ōkhra) (Ancient Greek).
- HEX: #CC7722
- RGB: 204, 119, 34
- HSL: 30°, 71.4%, 46.7%
- Mood: Energetic
- Style: Vivid, Warm
- Use case: Text, Button, Accent
- Complementary color: #2277CC
- Triadic colors: #22CC77, #7722CC
- The name comes from ὤχρα (ōkhra) (Ancient Greek).
Live Components
Color Palettes
Color Harmonies
Complementary
The color directly opposite on the color wheel — creates maximum contrast and vibrance.
Analogous
Colors adjacent on the wheel — naturally harmonious and pleasing to the eye.
Triadic
Three colors equally spaced 120° apart — bold, balanced, and visually rich.
Split-Complementary
Two colors flanking the complement — high contrast with less tension than full complementary.
Tetradic (Square)
Four colors at 90° intervals — rich variety, best when one color dominates.
Monochromatic
Shades and tints of the same hue — cohesive, elegant, and easy to work with.
Shades & Tints
A seamless scale of #CC7722 from deepest shade to lightest tint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Name, History & Etymology
History
Ochre is a natural earth pigment consisting of hydrated iron oxide, which gives it its characteristic yellow, red, or brown hues. It has been used by humans for an incredibly long time, making it one of the oldest pigments known. Early humans used it for body paint, cave art (e.g., Lascaux, Altamira), and even for medicinal or ritualistic purposes. Its widespread availability and durability made it a staple pigment across various cultures and continents throughout history. In ancient Egypt, yellow ochre was used for skin tones of women and gold, while red ochre was used for men's skin and pottery. Roman artists also extensively used ochre. During the Renaissance, ochre remained a fundamental pigment for artists due to its earthy tones and stability. It continues to be used in art, paints, and even as a coloring agent today.
First Recorded Use
The use of ochre as a pigment dates back tens of thousands of years, with archaeological evidence found in prehistoric cave paintings and burial sites. The word itself entered English much later, around the 15th century, via Old French and Latin.
Cultural Associations
Ochre holds significant cultural importance across many indigenous cultures worldwide. For example, Australian Aboriginal people have used ochre for millennia in ceremonies, body painting, rock art, and for medicinal purposes, with different colors often carrying specific symbolic meanings. In some African cultures, ochre is used in initiation rites and as a cosmetic. Its deep connection to the earth and its enduring presence in human history have imbued it with symbolic meanings related to life, death, fertility, and spirituality in various societies.
Similar Named Colors
Code Snippets
/* Background */
.element {
background-color: #CC7722;
}
/* Text */
.element {
color: #CC7722;
}
/* Border */
.element {
border: 1px solid #CC7722;
}/* Linear gradient to complementary */
.element {
background: linear-gradient(
to right,
#CC7722,
#2277CC
);
}
/* Radial gradient */
.element {
background: radial-gradient(
circle,
#CC7722,
#2277CC
);
}// SCSS variable
$ochre: #CC7722;
// With RGB channels (useful for rgba() usage)
$ochre-r: 204;
$ochre-g: 119;
$ochre-b: 34;
// Usage
.element {
background-color: $ochre;
color: rgba($ochre-r, $ochre-g, $ochre-b, 0.8);
}