Onyx #353935
Onyx is a near-black gray with hex code #353935. It is very dark and almost neutral, with a faint green tint you notice only beside pure black. The name comes from onyx, a banded stone whose black form is popular in jewelry, and the color has a sleek, polished, mineral feel.
There is no CSS onyx keyword. #353935 is a commonly listed value, though sources disagree slightly and some use a cooler near-black under the same name.
| HEX | #353935 | |
|---|---|---|
| RGB | rgb(53, 57, 53) | |
| HSL | hsl(120, 4%, 22%) | |
| HSV | hsv(120, 7%, 22%) | |
| CMYK | cmyk(7%, 0%, 7%, 78%) |
Text on Onyx
White text reads better on Onyx. 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 Onyx
Onyx tints and shades
Tints mix Onyx 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
Onyx color meaning
Onyx is a banded variety of chalcedony, and black onyx has long been used for rings, cufflinks and inlays. The color carries that polished, jewelry-box quality. Onyx has been carved into cameos, bowls and decorative objects since ancient times, so the name also suggests craftsmanship.
It reads as strong, sophisticated and grounded. Black stones are treated as protective in some belief systems, and onyx is sometimes sold with that meaning, though such beliefs vary widely and are far from universal. In fashion it reads as polished and discreet.
Because it is slightly lighter than black, onyx feels a little softer and more natural, more like stone than ink. It suits anyone who wants a dark, serious tone that still feels natural, which is why stone-inspired interiors use it so often.
How to use Onyx in design
Onyx works as a black substitute for luxury, fashion, architecture and dark-mode interfaces. White, cream and gold text read clearly on it; dark text does not. On light backgrounds, onyx is a strong choice for headings and body text that should feel slightly less harsh than pure black. In social posts, it makes a sleek background for product shots with metallic or jewel-tone details.
In interiors, onyx tones appear in stone countertops, matte cabinetry and metal fixtures. In fashion it is a soft black for tailoring, knitwear and leather.
Palettes with Onyx tones
Curated palettes with a color close to #353935.
Colors similar to Onyx
Work with Onyx
Onyx FAQ
What is the difference between onyx and black?
Black (#000000) is the absence of light on screen. Onyx (#353935) is a very dark gray with a slight green tint, so it is a little lighter and softer. In most layouts people see onyx as black, but it looks less stark on large surfaces and sits more gently beside warm tones.
Is onyx a good background color?
Yes, for dark themes and luxury or editorial designs. It holds light text clearly and feels softer than pure black. It suits gold, cream and jewel-tone accents. For long reading in light mode, use onyx for the text on a pale background instead.