Scarabaeus Sacer
A grounding, muted charcoal for UI
Scarabaeus Sacer is a muted, deep charcoal that grounds dark UI interfaces without the harshness of pure black. Because it offers a softer contrast, it works well as a background for minimal designs or modern typography. The hex code for this neutral shade is #414040. Pair it with soft cream tones rather than stark white to avoid looking washed out.
About Scarabaeus Sacer
Beetle shell at dusk, more shadow than shine
What does scarabaeus sacer mean?
Dark grey commonly brings to mind stone, ash, and overcast skies, and it often reads as serious, plain, and understated. With almost no saturation and very low lightness, this color feels heavy and still, like a room lit by one small window.
Where you see scarabaeus sacer
- wet asphalt
- charcoal briquettes
- cast iron pans
- storm clouds
- graphite pencil strokes
- concrete blocks
What it works for
Use it for text-heavy backgrounds, interface chrome, moody photo overlays, or as a softer stand-in for pure black.
What colors go with scarabaeus sacer?
Terracotta #e2725bWarm clay red gives this heavy grey a grounded, sun-baked counterweight.Dusty Rose #b56f76A faded pink softens the grey's gloom without pushing it anywhere loud.Mustard #ffdb58Deep yellow cuts through the dimness and keeps the grey from going flat.Cream #fffdd0A near-white neutral opens up space around this dense, shadowy tone.Olive #808000Muted green shares the grey's restraint while adding a natural, earthy note.
Questions about Scarabaeus Sacer
What is the hex code for Scarabaeus Sacer?
Scarabaeus Sacer is #414040. In RGB that is rgb(65, 64, 64), in HSL hsl(0, 1%, 25%) and in CMYK 0%, 2%, 2%, 75%.
How does #414040 differ from standard black in web design?
#414040 functions as a softer, more approachable alternative to pure black by reducing visual strain on screen. It creates a subtle, layered depth in user interfaces, effectively grounding typography or dark containers without appearing harsh or completely opaque.
Which color palettes work best with #414040?
This shade excels when paired with soft, warm neutrals like cream or beige rather than bright, stark white. It also provides a stable, muted base for sophisticated palettes involving olive or terracotta tones, helping to balance vibrant accents without overwhelming the design.
Is Scarabaeus Sacer readable on white or black?
Scarabaeus Sacer has a 10.33:1 contrast ratio on white and 2.03:1 on black. WCAG asks for 4.5:1 for body text and 3:1 for large text, so on white it works for body text and on black it is too faint for text. Try other pairs in the contrast checker.