Ultramarine
General Information About Ultramarine
The color #01009b is a deep, saturated shade of blue known as ultramarine. Ultramarine is a pigment that was originally made by grinding lapis lazuli into a powder. The name ultramarine comes from the Latin 'ultramarinus,' meaning 'beyond the sea,' because the pigment was imported to Europe from mines in Asia. Due to the cost of lapis lazuli, ultramarine was a very expensive pigment, often reserved for important commissions, especially the robes of the Virgin Mary in religious paintings. Synthetic ultramarine, chemically identical to the natural pigment, was invented in the 1820s, making the color more widely accessible. Today, ultramarine is used in a variety of applications, including paints, plastics, cosmetics, and textiles. It's also used in laundry detergents as a bluing agent to counteract yellowing.
The hex color #01009b, a deep shade of ultramarine, presents certain accessibility challenges, especially in web design. Its dark nature requires careful consideration of contrast ratios to ensure readability for all users, including those with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast between text and background is crucial. When using #01009b as a background color, it's essential to pair it with a light-colored text (e.g., white or a very pale yellow) to achieve a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Conversely, if #01009b is used for text, a very light background is needed. Avoid using this color for crucial elements like links or buttons without a clear visual cue, as it can be difficult to discern on its own. Providing alternative styling options, such as underlines or borders, can significantly improve accessibility. Always test color combinations with accessibility tools to verify compliance with WCAG standards and ensure an inclusive user experience.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Design
Ultramarine is a classic and sophisticated color, ideal for creating a sense of trust and reliability. It can be used in website headers, navigation bars, and footers to establish a strong brand identity. In user interfaces, #01009b can be used for primary buttons and key interactive elements, provided sufficient contrast is maintained. However, avoid using it excessively, as large areas of dark blue can be visually tiring. Instead, combine it with lighter, complementary colors to create a balanced and engaging design.
Interior Design
Ultramarine is frequently used to evoke a sense of luxury and depth. For interior walls, consider it for accent walls in studies or bedrooms. It can also be incorporated through textiles like velvet cushions or thick drapes to add a touch of opulence. When combined with metallic accents like gold or brass, ultramarine creates a rich and elegant atmosphere. Lighter colors such as cream or light gray should be incorporated to balance the intensity.
Beauty & Cosmetics
Ultramarine's depth and richness makes it a popular color in the beauty industry, particularly in eye makeup and nail polish. Eyeshadows in this shade can create a striking smoky eye effect, especially when paired with shimmery or metallic accents. As a nail polish, ultramarine provides a bold and sophisticated look, suitable for evening events or special occasions. It is often combined with silver or gold accents. The color is also used in the hair color industry to create dark blue hair.