Scarlet vs. Vermilion — What's the Difference?

A bright red color with a hint of orange, symbolizing passion and danger.

A vivid red to reddish-orange pigment traditionally used in art, symbolizing life and spirituality.

Conveys energy, excitement, and attention, making it a popular choice in marketing.

Prized for its brilliant hue, used in Renaissance paintings and Chinese art.

Often represents courage, passion, and sometimes sin in literature and culture.

Holds protective and sacred meanings in several cultures, especially in Hinduism and Buddhism.

Denotes luxury and status, used in prestigious uniforms and attire.

Derived from the mineral cinnabar, with a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations.

Associated with important cultural and religious ceremonies, symbolizing joy and celebration.

Employed in traditional arts and crafts, signifying immortality and divine protection.

Of the color called scarlet; as, a scarlet cloth or thread.

Vermilion (sometimes spelled vermillion) is both a brilliant red or scarlet pigment, originally made from the powdered mineral cinnabar, and the corresponding color. It is commonly used in Hindu culture, primarily by women, and was widely used in the art and decoration of Ancient Rome, in the illuminated manuscripts of the Middle Ages, in the paintings of the Renaissance, and in the art and lacquerware of China.

To dye or tinge with scarlet.

A brilliant red pigment made from mercury sulphide (cinnabar).

Of a brilliant red colour

A vivid red to reddish orange. Also called Chinese red, cinnabar.

A brilliant red colour

See mercuric sulfide.

A strong to vivid red or reddish orange.

Of a vivid red to reddish orange.

Scarlet-colored clothing or cloth.

To color or dye (something) in the hue vermilion.

Of a strong to vivid red or reddish orange.

A vivid red synthetic pigment made of mercury sulfide, cinnabar.

Flagrantly immoral or unchaste

A bright orange-red colour.

A brilliant red colour tinged with orange.

A type of red dye worn in the parting of the hair by married Hindu women.

Cloth of a scarlet color.

The red skin of the lips or its border with the skin of the face.

Of a bright red colour.

(obsolete) The kermes or cochineal insect.

Sinful or whorish.

(obsolete) The cochineal dye made from this insect.

(Ireland) Blushing; embarrassed or mortified.

Having a brilliant red colour.

(transitive) To dye or tinge (something) with scarlet.

Having the color of the vermilion dye.

A deep bright red tinged with orange or yellow, - of many tints and shades; a vivid or bright red color.

(transitive) To color or paint vermilion.

Cloth of a scarlet color.

A bright red pigment consisting of mercuric sulphide, obtained either from the mineral cinnabar or artificially. It has a fine red color, and is much used in coloring sealing wax, in printing, etc.

A variable color that is vivid red but sometimes with an orange tinge

Hence, a red color like the pigment; a lively and brilliant red; as, cheeks of vermilion.

Having any of numerous bright or strong colors reminiscent of the color of blood or cherries or tomatoes or rubies

To color with vermilion, or as if with vermilion; to dye red; to cover with a delicate red.

A variable color that is vivid red but sometimes with an orange tinge

Color vermilion

Of a vivid red to reddish-orange color

Scarlet is a bright red with a slight orange tint, associated with passion, whereas vermilion is a specific red to reddish-orange pigment used in art and has spiritual significance.

Scarlet symbolizes passion, danger, and courage, while vermilion is associated with life, protection, and spirituality.

While similar, they serve different purposes; scarlet is used for its symbolic color, and vermilion is chosen for its historical and cultural depth.

Scarlet was historically made from expensive dyes and indicated high social status and wealth.

Yes, scarlet can vary slightly in hue, often leaning more towards orange or deeper red depending on the material or dye.

Yes, vermilion continues to be used by artists seeking its unique hue and historical connotations.

Vermilion is made from the mineral cinnabar, which gives it a distinct reddish-orange hue not found in other red pigments.

Scarlet is used to symbolize strength, valor, and sacrifice in flags and emblems.

Vermilion was traditionally made by grinding natural cinnabar or synthetic mercury sulfide into a fine powder.

Cultural perceptions can vary widely, with scarlet often seen as bold and dynamic, and vermilion carrying deeper spiritual or historical meanings.

Its bright, attention-grabbing color conveys energy and excitement, making it effective for marketing.

Scarlet is considered a warm color due to its orange undertones.

Traditional vermilion can contain mercury, making it toxic and requiring careful handling.

Vermilion has been used in Chinese art and decoration for centuries, symbolizing joy, wealth, and status.

In Hinduism and Buddhism, vermilion is used in rituals for protection, blessing, and as a symbol of married life.