Before the age of synthetic dyes, purple pigment was extremely rare, making the color a symbol of royalty and wealth. The pigment most depicted in ancient art was a shade called Tyrian purple. Throughout history, Tyrian purple has been depicted in many works of art that symbolize royalty and status. Tyrian purple is distinguishable by its warm, reddish-purple hue, appearing as a cross between magenta and violet.

In 1856 a scientist named William Henry Perkin discovered the first known synthetic purple dye called Mauveine or Mauve purple. After it’s discovery, mauve purple quickly became a symbol of high fashion and had a romantic and calming effect. The purple shade Mauve is distinguishable by its pale, greyish, and pinkish appearance.

Since the invention of Mauveine to the present day, many different synthetic shades of purple were invented; however, the most significant, recent shade of purple seen in society is known as Ultra Violet Purple. Ultra Violet was named color of the year in 2018 by Pantone. This shade of purple is commonly associated with outer space and the supernatural, thus provoking feelings of originality, mystery, and futurism. Throughout history, the shade Ultra Violet has been depicted in many spiritual settings, making the color often connected to mindfulness and spirituality. Ultra Violet is portrayed as a vibrant, cool, and bluish shade of purple.