The color of plasma varies greatly depending on its source and composition. There isn't one single answer.
Blood Plasma
Blood plasma, the liquid component of blood, is typically a pale yellow color. [^1] However, variations in color can occur, ranging from a barely perceptible yellow to a darker yellow, sometimes with brown, orange, or even green tinges. [^2, ^3] These variations can be due to various factors, including the presence of certain substances or medical conditions. [^4] The color of whole blood is typically dominated by the red blood cells, obscuring the plasma's color. [^3] Altered plasma color can impact its usability in medical applications. [^9]
Other Plasmas
In other contexts, such as in physics or chemistry (e.g., plasma displays, fusion reactors), the color of plasma is determined by the gases used and the energy levels involved. For example, hydrogen-based plasma can emit blue light. [^6] However, other gases produce different colors. [^5] The color can also shift depending on factors like the plasma's stability and the materials involved. [^10]
Examples of Plasma Colors:
- Blood Plasma: Pale yellow to dark yellow, sometimes with brown, orange, or green tints.
- Hydrogen Plasma: Blue.
- Other Gas Plasmas: The color varies greatly depending on the gas composition.
Therefore, it's inaccurate to assign a single color to plasma. The context and the specific composition of the plasma are crucial factors in determining its appearance.
[^1]: Blood plasma is the yellow liquid component of blood, in which the blood cells in whole blood are normally suspended.03-Jul-2022
[^2]: Greenish discoloration of plasma: Is it really a matter of concern ... https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6580839/
[^3]: What is Plasma? Plasma Donation & Importance https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22865-plasma
[^4]: Amber-colored Plasma in Therapeutic Plasma Exchange | Clinical ... https://dx.doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciaa896
[^5]: Is there an actual lore color for plasma? : r/Warhammer40k https://www.reddit.com/r/Warhammer40k/comments/1b65591/is_there_an_actual_lore_color_for_plasma/
[^6]: Where does the plasma colour come from? - EUROfusion https://euro-fusion.org/faq/where-does-the-plasma-colour-come-from/
[^9]: Altered color of plasma component - Unnecessary wastage of a ... https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37188010/
[^10]: When can we say that the color of plasma is a sign of self-sputtering ... https://www.researchgate.net/post/When-can-we-say-that-the-color-of-plasma-is-a-sign-of-self-sputtering
