Ultramarine

General Information about Ultramarine

Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #00099B, is a deep, rich shade of blue reminiscent of the pigment derived from lapis lazuli. This color is characterized by its high intensity and low lightness, giving it a strong, impactful presence. In the RGB color model, it consists of 0% red, 3.53% green, and 61.18% blue. Ultramarine's unique spectral composition makes it a standout choice for applications where a bold and authoritative color is desired. Historically, ultramarine pigment was highly prized and costly, making it a symbol of luxury and importance. This historical association contributes to its perception as a color of sophistication and depth. Its usage in art dates back centuries, highlighting its lasting appeal and versatility.

The hex color #00099B, also known as Ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its extremely low luminance value of 0.002 means that text or interactive elements rendered in this color will have very poor contrast against a white background. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is crucial for readability and usability. To ensure accessibility, avoid using #00099B for text or important visual elements unless paired with a very light color to achieve a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Consider using tools to check color contrast ratios and ensure compliance with accessibility standards. Providing alternative high-contrast themes or allowing users to customize colors can further improve accessibility.

Shades

Digital Color Formats

Alternative colors

Applications

• Website Highlighting

  Ultramarine (#00099B) can be used to highlight important information on a webpage. For example, key statistics, call-to-action buttons, or significant announcements can be styled with this color to draw the user's attention. However, care should be taken to ensure sufficient contrast with the background to maintain readability and accessibility. It can be incorporated into a broader palette to create a rich, layered aesthetic, especially when paired with lighter blues or complementary colors. Furthermore, this color can be used in website headers to establish a color theming that creates a consistent branding and user experience.

• Fashion Accent

  In fashion, Ultramarine can be used as an accent color in clothing designs or as the primary color for accessories like scarves or handbags. Its deep, rich tone can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to an outfit. Ultramarine can be used in makeup palettes as eyeliner to brighten the eye.

• Interior Design Accent

  For interior design, Ultramarine can be used as an accent wall color to bring depth and richness to a room. It can be paired with lighter neutrals to create a balanced and inviting space. Using ultramarine in decor such as vases, rugs and paintings brings character to the design.

Complementary color

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