What are some common shades of purple?

Names for common shades of purple include lavender, violet, mauve, raisin and grape. Others are thistle, magenta, mulberry, wine and eggplant. Purple is the general name for the range of colors between blue and red.

Some of the lighter shades of the color purple are lavender, periwinkle, iris and heather. Lilac, amethyst, orchid and the dustier shade of mauve represent slightly deeper hues. Jam, plum, boysenberry, mulberry and sangria lean more toward the reddish shades of purple, as does the brighter, more electric magenta. The deeper, richer shades of purple include raisin, wine and eggplant, names that match the colors of the objects themselves.