Whats in the name of color?

[megeve]

as in the case of Tanzanite or any other colored stones.

When its stated blueish purple: which is the body tone and which is secondary?
Or purplish blue: so which is which - am I suppose to see blue with purple overtone or purple with blue overtone?

Can someone please enlighten me?

Thank you!

 

[Lady_Disdain]

In general, the first is the modifier and the second is the main colour. Or, if you prefer, "ish" colour is the secondary (as in, kind of).

Purplish blue: blue that is kind of purple

 

[chrono]

The first colour is the secondary and the second is the body colour.
Bluish purple is bPR = Purple with a blue undertone
Purplish blue is prB = Blue with a purple undertone