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Grey

physical science Maturity 5-7 Next article →

Grey is a color between black and white. It is a neutral color. This means it has no chroma, or color tint.

grays
grays

You can see grey in ash or lead. It is also the color of storm clouds.

Storm Clouds towards Clare island - geograph.org.uk - 1032378
Storm Clouds towards Clare island - geograph.org.uk - 1032378

Large clouds look dark grey because sunlight cannot pass through them.

People use two ways to spell this color. In America, people often write gray. In Europe, people use grey. Both ways are correct.

Artists use grey in many ways. Some use a method called grisaille. This is a way to paint using only grey and white. They add color on top later. The grey helps show shadows.

Princess Isabel and Leopoldina 1855 frame removed
Princess Isabel and Leopoldina 1855 frame removed

In the past, grey was for poor people. They wore undyed wool. Some monks wore grey to show they were humble.

Grey also happens in our bodies. Hair gets its color from melanin. This is a tiny pigment in our hair. As we age, our bodies make less melanin. Without this pigment, hair turns grey or white. Some gorillas even grow silver hair on their backs.

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🖼️ Images & Media (4)
File:Princess Isabel and Leopoldina 1855 frame removed.png
Princess Isabel and Leopoldina 1855 frame...
File:Storm Clouds towards Clare island - geograph.org.uk - 1032378.jpg
Storm Clouds towards Clare island -...
File:grays.svg
grays.svg
File:Utinkatu Tornionmäki 001.jpg
Utinkatu Tornionmäki 001.jpg
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