The color between orange and red is Scarlet.
Understanding Colors Between Red and Orange
Colors exist on a spectrum, and mixing adjacent primary or secondary colors results in intermediate hues. The space between pure red and pure orange on the traditional color wheel is filled with shades that transition smoothly from one to the other.
Scarlet: A Prominent Example
According to color theory and the provided reference, Scarlet is a key color located between red and orange. It is described as a bright red color that often carries a noticeable orange tinge.
Based on the reference:
- Scarlet sits on the color wheel positioned one-quarter of the way between red and orange.
- This positioning means it is a reddish color with a significant lean towards orange, though it is specified as being slightly less orange than vermilion, another color in this range.
Think of it as a vibrant red that has been warmed up with a touch of orange, giving it a distinct identity separate from both pure red and pure orange.
Visualizing the Transition
You can imagine the transition from red to orange as a gradient:
| Color Range | Description | Position on Spectrum |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Primary Color | Start |
| Scarlet | Bright red with orange tinge | Approximately 1/4 |
| Vermilion | More orange than Scarlet | Approaching 1/2 |
| Red-Orange | Blend of red and orange | Midpoint/Gradient |
| Orange | Secondary Color (Red + Yellow) | End |
This table helps illustrate where colors like Scarlet fall within the range as you move from red towards orange. Scarlet is one of the recognized names for colors found in this part of the spectrum.
Why Scarlet?
While there are many shades between red and orange (often broadly called red-orange), Scarlet is a specific, well-defined color name that fits this description, especially given its precise location on the color wheel as detailed in color references. Its bright, fiery appearance makes it a popular and recognizable hue.
