Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
The color #011197, commonly known as Ultramarine, is a deep and intense shade of blue. It belongs to the blue color family and has a relatively low lightness value, making it appear quite dark. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 0.4% red, 6.7% green, and 59.2% blue. The name "Ultramarine" originates from the Latin "ultramarinus," meaning "beyond the sea," as it was originally derived from the semi-precious stone lapis lazuli, which was imported from overseas. Historically, it was a highly prized pigment due to its rarity and vibrant color. Today, synthetic versions are widely available, making it more accessible for various applications. It is commonly associated with feelings of depth, intelligence, and sophistication.
The hex color #011197, also known as Ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in text-based contexts. Its very low lightness value (very dark blue) means that it requires extremely light text (white or near-white) to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Using #011197 with darker text colors will invariably fail these guidelines, making content difficult or impossible to read for users with visual impairments. When using this color, thorough contrast checking is essential, and alternative, lighter color options should be considered to improve accessibility for a wider audience. Also avoid using it for interactive elements, as the lack of contrast may cause those elements to be missed.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design Accent Color
Ultramarine, with its depth and richness, can serve as a striking accent color in web design. It is often used for headers, navigation bars, or call-to-action buttons to draw the user's eye. However, due to its dark nature, it is crucial to pair it with light text or background colors to ensure readability and accessibility. It evokes feelings of sophistication and trust, making it suitable for websites in the finance, technology, or education sectors. Furthermore, consider its limited usage to avoid overwhelming the overall design, using it sparingly to maintain a balanced and visually appealing website.
Beauty and Makeup
In the realm of beauty, Ultramarine can be utilized to create dramatic and captivating eye makeup looks. As an eyeliner or eyeshadow, it can add a pop of color and intensity, especially for those with lighter eye colors. However, since it's a strong color, it's often balanced with neutral shades to prevent it from overpowering the face. The color can be seen in nail polish collections, offering a bold and sophisticated look. Considering the intensity of the color, it is mostly used for special occasions.
Interior Design Accent
Ultramarine can be incorporated into interior design as an accent wall color or in decorative accessories such as pillows, curtains, or artwork. It brings a sense of depth and sophistication to a room, working well in spaces where a calming and intellectual atmosphere is desired, such as home offices or libraries. When using this color, it's important to balance it with lighter neutral colors to prevent the space from feeling too dark or overwhelming. Also, add some warm accents to add contrast.