Indigo vs. Purple — What's the Difference?

Indigo is often described as a deep, rich color that sits on the spectrum between blue and violet. It is traditionally considered one of the seven colors of the rainbow, named and identified by Isaac Newton. Indigo leans more towards blue and is sometimes hard to distinguish from navy blue or deep violet. Purple, in contrast, is a general term for the range of hues that result from a mix of red and blue. This means that purple encompasses a wide variety of shades, from light lavenders to deep plums. Purple does not have a specific place in the spectrum of light visible to the human eye; instead, it is a composite color made by combining wavelengths at both ends of the visible spectrum.

The distinction between indigo and purple primarily lies in their composition and the visual impact each color presents. Indigo's identity is closely tied to its historical and natural dye origins, giving it a specific shade that is often associated with depth and stability. Purple's identity, however, is more versatile, symbolizing royalty, luxury, and creativity, thanks to its broad palette range and less specific definition.

Indigo is sometimes included in the broader category of purple hues, while it is distinguished by its closer association with blue. On the other hand, purples can shift significantly towards red, offering a warmer appearance compared to the cooler, more introspective shade of indigo.