Gun Powder — Made from a mixture of sulfur, carbon, and potassium nitrate, gunpowder was invented in China in the 9th century. The color Gun Powder is every bit as dark and intense as the low-grade explosive that gives it its name. It falls into the dark grayish-blue color family, with a hue angle of 237.3 degrees and low saturation, making it a cool, deep blue-purple-gray shade.