Ultramarine

General Information about Ultramarine

Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #01099A, is a deep and intense shade of blue. It derives its name from the Latin 'ultramarinus,' meaning 'beyond the sea,' as it was originally made from lapis lazuli imported from Asia. Historically, ultramarine was one of the most expensive and highly prized pigments, used by Renaissance painters for depicting the robes of the Virgin Mary and other important figures. In modern color theory, ultramarine is considered a cool color, evoking feelings of tranquility, depth, and sophistication. It resides in the blue region of the color spectrum and is associated with intellectual pursuits, trust, and calmness. The RGB values for ultramarine are Red: 1, Green: 9, Blue: 154.

The color #01099A, a deep ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in text-based contexts. Its extremely low luminance value (very close to black) necessitates very light foreground text colors to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal-sized text and 3:1 for large text according to WCAG guidelines. Using white (#FFFFFF) or very light shades of gray would be essential. For interactive elements like buttons, ensuring sufficient color contrast is crucial for users with visual impairments. Avoid pairing this color with dark or muted shades as it can render the text or interactive elements illegible. Consider providing alternative high-contrast themes for enhanced accessibility. Additionally, when using this color to convey information, supplement it with text labels or other visual cues to accommodate users with color vision deficiencies. Careful planning is crucial to make this color accessible and inclusive.

Shades

Digital Color Formats

Alternative colors

Applications

• Web Design Accent

  In web design, ultramarine can be used as an accent color for headers, buttons, or background elements to create a sophisticated and modern feel. Due to its darkness, it's best used sparingly and paired with lighter colors to ensure readability. For example, it can be used as a background for a call-to-action button with white text. In data visualization, it can represent one end of a sequential color scale, provided there's adequate contrast with neighboring colors. Consider its use in creating a dark mode theme for websites or applications where it can establish a high-tech look and feel. Careful attention should always be paid to accessibility and contrast ratios.

• Beauty and Fashion

  Ultramarine's depth and richness make it a popular choice in the beauty industry, particularly in eyeshadows, eyeliners, and nail polishes. It can create a dramatic and captivating look, especially when paired with complementary colors or metallic accents. In fashion, it can be used in evening wear, accessories, or as a statement color in a bold outfit. Consider using it as the central hue in a scarf or as part of a bold geometric pattern in clothing. It's often associated with elegance and sophistication, making it a suitable choice for formal occasions. The color provides a bold statement, especially against lighter skin tones.

• Interior Design Accent

  In interior design, ultramarine can add a touch of luxury and depth to a room. It's well-suited for accent walls, furniture upholstery, or decorative accessories. When used in a living room or bedroom, it can create a calming and relaxing atmosphere. Pair it with neutral colors like white, gray, or beige to balance its intensity. Gold or brass accents can further enhance its richness. Consider using it in smaller doses to avoid overwhelming the space. The color is excellent to make an impact without overpowering the space where it is used.

Complementary color

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