What is the color code for cobalt metal?
Cobalt metal does not have a single official color code. In practice, its appearance is a bluish-silvery metallic finish that shifts with lighting, surface treatment, and oxidation. When people ask for a “color code,” they’re usually looking for a digital hex value that approximate either the metallic look or a cobalt blue pigment associated with cobalt chemistry.
Forms of cobalt color: metal, pigment, and digital references
To help designers and scientists communicate about cobalt color, it’s useful to separate three common references: the raw metal’s look, the cobalt blue pigment used in art and ceramics, and digital approximations used in design software.
Raw cobalt metal: appearance and color codes
Pure cobalt metal is typically described as a silvery-gray material with a blueish tint in certain lights. There is no universal official color code for the metal itself; when a digital representation is needed, designers often choose a bluish gray hex value to convey the look of a polished cobalt surface.
- Metallic cobalt look (bluish-silver): #6B7A8C
- Alternative bluish-gray metallic finish: #5A6D7D
- Deeper blue-tinted metal highlight: #4B5F7A
These hex values are approximations used in digital design and are not standardized across industries. They help convey the general impression of cobalt’s metallic, blue-tinged appearance under typical lighting.
Cobalt blue pigment and related digital colors
Beyond the metal itself, cobalt is famous for its cobalt blue pigment, CoAl2O4, used for glass, ceramics, and paints. In digital contexts, hex codes approximate the vivid blue associated with cobalt blue pigments, though actual pigment hue can vary by material and firing conditions.
- Deep cobalt blue pigment (approximate): #1E4D8A
- Bright cobalt blue near royal blue (approximate): #2A52BE
- Lighter cobalt blue close to cornflower blue (approximate): #6495ED
Note: these hex codes are approximate representations for design work. Real-world cobalt finishes—whether metal, glaze, or pigment—can differ based on composition, glaze chemistry, firing, aging, and lighting conditions.
Practical guidance for using cobalt color codes
When selecting color codes for cobalt in a project, distinguish between conveying a metal look and representing a cobalt-based pigment. For metallic objects in user interfaces or product photography, a cool bluish-gray like the hex values above can help convey a cobalt finish. For ceramics, glass, or pigment-inspired visuals, opt for a cobalt blue hex that matches the intended hue under the project’s lighting conditions, and test under the target displays or environmental lighting.
Summary
There is no single official color code for cobalt metal. The term “color code” can refer to a metallic-looking hex value that suggests a bluish-silver cobalt surface or to hex values that approximate cobalt blue pigments used in art and industry. Designers typically choose approximate hex values based on the desired impression and verify them under real-world lighting and materials. Understanding the context—metallic finish versus pigment color—helps ensure the most accurate representation.
