Prussian Blue
General Information about Prussian Blue
Prussian Blue, represented by the hexadecimal color code #01365B, is a deep, rich shade of blue with a slightly greenish undertone. It is named after the pigment 'Prussian blue,' which was one of the first synthetically produced pigments, discovered accidentally in the early 18th century. This pigment gained widespread use due to its stability, intensity, and relatively low cost. The color is associated with qualities like depth, stability, and authority. In color psychology, blue is often linked to trust, loyalty, and calmness, making Prussian Blue suitable for applications where conveying a sense of reliability and confidence is important. Its historical significance and unique visual properties make it a popular choice in various design contexts.
The hex color #01365B, also known as Prussian Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly when used as text on a white background. Its low lightness value (close to black) means that it requires careful consideration of contrast ratios. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is crucial for users with visual impairments to be able to perceive text and interactive elements. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text, and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular). When using #01365B for text, ensure that the background color provides adequate contrast to meet these guidelines. If the background is a light color, consider lightening the text color or using a darker background to improve readability. Tools are available online to check contrast ratios and ensure compliance with accessibility standards. For decorative elements, these requirements are less strict, however it is important to consider the overall user experience.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #0a456e
A slightly lighter shade that offers improved readability on light backgrounds while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #20495f
A desaturated version that can be used for secondary elements or backgrounds to provide a subtle contrast.
- #00203f
A very dark blue alternative that could be used in a dark color theme design.
Applications
Financial Applications
Prussian Blue evokes a sense of sophistication and trust, making it ideal for financial applications. It can be used in website designs, mobile apps, and marketing materials for banks, investment firms, and insurance companies. The color conveys stability and reliability, reassuring customers about the security of their financial transactions. In user interfaces, #01365B can be used for primary buttons, headings, and navigation elements to create a professional and trustworthy brand image. For data visualizations, it can be employed to highlight important trends and insights, enhancing the user's understanding of complex financial data.
Interior Design
In interior design, Prussian Blue serves as a calming and elegant accent color, and even as a main colour. It works well in living rooms, bedrooms, and studies, creating a serene and sophisticated atmosphere. Use it for painting walls, selecting furniture upholstery, or choosing decorative accessories. Pair it with neutral colors like gray, beige, or white to create a balanced and harmonious space. Prussian Blue also complements natural materials like wood and stone, adding warmth and texture to the room. Furthermore it can be a good alternative for black because it is less harsh but still provides a good contrast.
Fashion Industry
Prussian Blue's rich hue complements a variety of skin tones, making it a versatile choice for clothing and accessories. It is often seen in formal wear, such as suits, dresses, and evening gowns, as well as in casual attire like sweaters, shirts and jeans. In web design, it can be used to create contrast and make key elements stand out. In the field of fashion, Prussian Blue could be used for high-end brands because it represents a good alternative to black but still stands for quality and luxury.