Amethyst #9966CC
Amethyst, commonly given as #9966CC, is a medium purple with a slight blue lean. It is moderately saturated, cool, and neither very light nor dark, so it feels balanced and clear. It is named for the purple variety of quartz, so crystal shops, birthstone jewelry, and quiet meditation rooms are its natural setting.
There is no CSS keyword for amethyst. #9966CC is a commonly listed value; natural amethyst runs from pale lilac to deep violet.
| HEX | #9966CC | |
|---|---|---|
| RGB | rgb(153, 102, 204) | |
| HSL | hsl(270, 50%, 60%) | |
| HSV | hsv(270, 50%, 80%) | |
| CMYK | cmyk(25%, 50%, 0%, 20%) |
Text on Amethyst
Black text reads better on Amethyst. Ratios use the WCAG 2 formula: 4.5:1 passes AA for body text, 3:1 passes for large text.
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
Colors that go with Amethyst
Amethyst tints and shades
Tints mix Amethyst with white, shades mix it with black, in 15% steps. Copy any code, or open the tint and shade generator for a full scale.
Tints
Shades
Amethyst color schemes
Color-wheel harmonies built by rotating the hue of #9966CC and keeping its saturation and lightness.
Complementary
Analogous
Triadic
Split complementary
Tetradic
Amethyst color meaning
Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz, and it is the traditional birthstone for February in Western lists. The name comes from an ancient Greek word usually translated as 'not intoxicated,' reflecting an old belief that the stone protected its wearer from drunkenness.
Because it was once rare and purple was a royal color, amethyst has appeared in European royal and church jewelry. Large deposits found later, especially in South America, made it far more affordable, which is part of why it is so common in jewelry today.
As a color, amethyst suggests calm, clarity, and a touch of the mystical. It is popular in crystal shops and wellness branding, where the stone is linked with peace and balance in various spiritual practices. Those beliefs vary, but the color's soothing, contemplative feel is broadly shared.
How to use Amethyst in design
Amethyst sits in the middle for text contrast. Dark text works better for body copy on it, while white text holds up for large, bold headings and buttons. It is a good accent for wellness, beauty, spiritual, and creative brands, and a softer alternative to deep purple in UI.
Pair it with gold or silver for a jewelry feel, or with sage and cream for a natural, calm palette. In interiors it works on cushions, glassware, and accent chairs more than full walls.
Palettes with Amethyst tones
Curated palettes with a color close to #9966CC.
Colors similar to Amethyst
Work with Amethyst
Amethyst FAQ
What is the difference between amethyst and lavender?
Amethyst (#9966CC) is deeper and slightly bluer, a clear medium purple. Lavender (#B57EDC) is lighter and softer, with more pink in it. Amethyst feels like a gemstone, rich and focused, while lavender feels floral and airy. Both lean cool, and they combine well in tonal purple palettes.
What does amethyst purple symbolize?
It is usually linked with calm, clarity, and spiritual focus, mainly through the gemstone. Ancient Greeks associated the stone with sobriety, and many modern crystal traditions connect it with peace and protection. These meanings come from belief and folklore, not science, and they vary between cultures and practices.