VIOLET, a variety of blue (תְּכֵ֫לֶת, H9418, from the helix ianthina mollusk of the Mediterranean, generally tr. blue). It was used to dye priestly (Exod 28:31) and royal (Esth 8:15) garments as well as cloth, braid (Num 15:38), and hangings (Exod 25:4). Quality controls being lacking, shades varied from one maker to another. See also Color, Colors.