What is the Difference Between Violet and Purple?

The main difference between violet and purple lies in their origins and composition. Here are the key distinctions between the two colors:

1. Spectral Color vs. Mixture: Violet is a spectral color, which means it is the color of a single wavelength of light, specifically wavelengths between 380 and 450 nm. In contrast, purple is a combination of red and blue (or violet) light, with humans perceiving some of these combinations as similar to violet.
2. Position in the Spectrum: Violet is found at one end of the visible light spectrum, between blue light (which has a longer wavelength) and ultraviolet light. Purple, on the other hand, is not a spectral color but rather a mixture of red and blue wavelengths in a ratio of approximately 1:1.
3. Shades: Violet generally appears more bluish and less saturated compared to purple, which is more reddish and saturated. Violet is often used to describe the shades closer to blue, while purple is used for shades closer to red.
4. Associations: Historically, violet has been associated with royalty, while purple has been used more broadly to describe a variety of colors between blue and red in hue.

In summary, violet is a spectral color with specific wavelengths, while purple is a combination of red and blue (or violet) light. Violet appears more bluish and less saturated compared to purple, which is more reddish and saturated.

Comparative Table: Violet vs Purple

The main difference between violet and purple lies in their wavelengths and how they are created. Here is a table summarizing the differences between violet and purple:

In summary, violet is a specific shade of purple with a shorter wavelength and higher energy, while purple is a mixture of red and blue. Violet can be produced naturally through a prism, while purple is a man-made combination of colors.