http://developer.android.com/guide/topics/resources/string-resource.

html#FormattingAndStyling

Gradients
give this file in drawable

got it from using a navigation activity.

<shape xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
android:shape="rectangle" >
<gradient
android:startColor="#81C784"
android:centerColor="#4CAF50"
android:endColor="#2E7D32"
android:type="linear"
android:angle="135"/>
</shape>