Definition
Saturation refers to the intensity, purity, or vividness of a color. It determines how rich or dull a color appears. Common terms synonymous with saturation include intensity or chroma.
Munsell Notation for Saturation
In the Munsell color system, saturation is quantified numerically. The scale starts at 0 for neutral hues (such as gray, black, and white) and extends up to 10, 12, or even 14 for the most vibrant colors found in paint tubes. The highest possible saturation is represented by 14.
| Value | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Neutral | Overcast sky |
| 2 | Weak | Horizon-level grass under sunlight |
| 5-6 | Mid-level | A tree in shadow |
| 8 | Strong | Grass in the foreground, tree in sunlight |
| 12-14 | Highly Vivid | Brightly colored clothing |
| 14+ | Fluorescent Colors | Highly saturated artificial hues |
Examples of Saturation in Nature
Natural environments display a wide range of saturation levels:
- Neutral colors (0): Found in gray skies or shadows.
- Weak saturation (2): Visible in the horizon grass under sunlight.
- Moderate saturation (5-6): Seen in mid-distance foliage or shaded areas.
- Strong saturation (8): Common in brightly lit grass or trees.
- Vivid colors (12-14): Often observed in intensely colored manmade objects like clothing.
- Fluorescent colors (14+): Rarely seen in nature, typically found in artificial or neon objects.
Saturation in Pigments
Pigments also have a range of saturation levels, and the Munsell system can help classify them. Below are some examples of pigment hues and their corresponding saturation values:
| Hue | Munsell Saturation Value |
|---|---|
| Viridian (blue-green) | 8 |
| Ultramarine + Viridian (blue) | 10 |
| Green-yellow mixture | 12 |
| Cadmium Green | 12 |
| Ultramarine (purple-blue) | 12 |
| Cadmium Violet (purple) | 12 |
| Alizarin Crimson | 12 |
| Cadmium Yellow Light | 12 |
| Cadmium Red Light | 14 |
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