Smalt

General Information about #002E98 (Smalt)

The hexadecimal color code #002E98, commonly referred to as Smalt, is a deep shade of blue. It is composed of 0% red, 18.4% green, and 59.6% blue. In the RGB color space, it signifies a strong presence of blue light with very minimal red and a moderate amount of green. Smalt, historically, refers to a blue pigment made by grinding cobalt glass; the modern color code attempts to capture the essence of this traditional pigment. In color theory, blues are often associated with feelings of calmness, stability, and trust. The intensity of #002E98 gives it a formal and serious tone, making it suitable for designs aiming to convey authority and reliability. Its darkness also implies a sense of depth and sophistication.

The color #002E98, also known as Smalt, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its low luminance value (very dark) results in poor contrast against light backgrounds, making text and other visual elements difficult to discern. Web developers should avoid using this color as the primary text or icon color on white or light backgrounds. To ensure accessibility, it's crucial to pair #002E98 with very light colors, aiming for a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text, as specified by WCAG guidelines. Using tools to check color contrast is highly recommended. Consider alternative, lighter blues or using #002E98 sparingly for decorative elements rather than essential information. Also, provide alternative cues, such as icons or text labels, to supplement color-based information. Proper use of ARIA attributes can further enhance accessibility for screen reader users.

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Applications

• Website Headers and Navigation

  Smalt (#002E98) can be effectively used in website headers and navigation bars to create a sophisticated and professional aesthetic. Its deep blue hue conveys trust and stability, making it suitable for financial institutions or corporate websites. When used in headers, complement it with lighter text colors, such as white or light gray, to ensure readability and accessibility. Furthermore, consider using subtle gradients or shadows to add depth and visual interest to the header design. The color's calming effect makes it appropriate for websites aiming to establish a sense of authority and reliability.

• Data Visualization

  In data visualization, Smalt can represent a specific category or range of values, especially where a serious or formal tone is desired. Consider using it to depict crucial trends or significant data points, ensuring it contrasts adequately with other colors in the chart to maintain clarity. The calming and authoritative nature of the color also makes it effective for representing important parameters. Additionally, you can incorporate varying shades of Smalt to illustrate data hierarchies or differences in magnitude, providing deeper insights into the visualized information.

• Branding and Packaging

  Smalt's rich and calming presence makes it a wonderful choice for branding and packaging, especially for products needing a touch of sophistication or formality. This shade communicates trust, quality, and reliability, positioning items as premium or dependable, especially in industries such as finance, healthcare or technology. Smalt adds subtle elegance when used on packaging, logos, and marketing materials, and makes your brand stand out for its quality and professionalism. Pair this tone with metallic accents or clean typography to refine its style further.

Complementary color

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