Teal, turquoise or ferozi: which blue-green is which?

One map, two directions

Every blue-green can be placed by answering two questions: is it nearer blue or nearer green, and is it light or deep? The list below runs from the blue end to the green end.

• Aqua: blue side, very light, almost watery.
• Ferozi: blue side, light to medium, bright. The colour of the turquoise stone at its bluest.
• Turquoise: centre to blue side, light to medium, clear. In English the word stretches a little greener than ferozi does.
• Peacock: centre to blue side, deep but vivid. A teal with the brightness turned back up.
• Teal: centre, deep, a little muted. Roughly equal blue and green with the brightness turned down.
• Sea green: green side, light to medium, soft and slightly greyed.

Where the names come from

Turquoise and ferozi are one word in two languages. Both come from the gemstone, called firoza in Urdu and Hindi, and the stone itself varies from sky blue to greenish blue, which is one reason the colour name wanders. Teal is named after a small duck with a blue-green band on its head. Sea green is exactly what it says: shallow water over sand.

In Pakistani catalogues you will also meet zinc, a trade name commonly used for a dark, muted teal. As with every colour name, the borders shift from seller to seller, so use the name to get close and a photo to arrive.

How each behaves on fabric and in photos

A blue-green chosen from a screen deserves an extra check, because this family is one that cameras handle poorly. Our article on why fabric colours look different online explains what to look for.

• Teal is steady. It looks rich on velvet, karandi and other winter cloths, and stays close to itself in most light.
• Turquoise and ferozi are at their happiest on light fabrics such as lawn and chiffon, where brightness is welcome. They are often shown bluer or more electric on screen than the cloth really is.
• Sea green is gentle and can wash out in strong sun or look grey indoors.
• Sheer fabrics lighten all of them, and the lining underneath shifts the tone.

Naming the shade in a brief

Give two coordinates and a reference, and the name becomes almost optional. Add what it will be worn with as well: blue-greens pair well with ivory, gold, coral and mustard, and teal also sits well with maroon. For more on combining shades, see matching dupatta and trouser colours.

• “A deep blue-green, muted, equal blue and green.” Teal.
• “A bright, light blue-green that leans blue, like the stone.” Ferozi or turquoise.
• “A soft, light green with a little blue in it.” Sea green.
• “Teal, but brighter and richer.” Peacock.
• “Not as bright as turquoise, not as dark as teal.” A mid blue-green; send a photo.

Ordering a blue-green from us

With Fabric + Stitching we confirm in your written quote what fabric and shade we can supply. A small difference in shade from a photo is not a fault, so put anything that must match in your notes when you request a quote, and attach a daylight photo of the shade you have in mind.