Smalt
General Information about Smalt (#013C9A)
The hexadecimal color code #013C9A, commonly referred to as Smalt, represents a dark shade of blue. It is composed of 0.4% red, 23.5% green, and 60.4% blue. In the RGB color model, this translates to 1 red, 60 green, and 154 blue. Smalt is frequently associated with feelings of calmness, trust, and stability, making it a popular choice in various design applications. The color's CMYK values are 99% cyan, 61% magenta, 0% yellow, and 39.6% black. This specific shade of blue evokes a sense of depth and sophistication and is used across different mediums, from digital interfaces to traditional artwork. Its name, Smalt, is derived from a blue pigment made by grinding glass containing cobalt, showcasing its historical significance in the world of color.
The color #013C9A, also known as Smalt, presents some accessibility challenges, especially when used as a background color for text. Due to its low lightness value, it lacks sufficient contrast with lighter text colors like white or light gray. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is crucial for users with visual impairments to perceive content effectively. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. When using #013C9A, ensure that the text color provides adequate contrast. Tools are available to check the contrast ratio between two colors. If the contrast is insufficient, consider using a lighter shade of blue or a different, more contrasting color altogether. Additionally, avoid using this color for interactive elements like links or buttons without clear visual cues, as users might have difficulty identifying them.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Headers and Data Visualization
Smalt (#013C9A) can be effectively used in website headers and footers to create a sense of depth and sophistication. Its deep hue provides a calming visual experience, making it suitable for professional or corporate websites. Furthermore, Smalt can be incorporated into data visualizations like charts and graphs to represent significant data points, ensuring they stand out without being overly distracting. When paired with lighter accent colors, such as light yellows or oranges, it can produce a balanced and visually appealing user interface. In UI/UX design, use Smalt sparingly as a primary color, leveraging it instead for secondary elements or call-to-action buttons with appropriate contrast to ensure usability.
Interior Design and Fashion
In interior design, Smalt can be used as an accent wall color in a living room or bedroom to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. It pairs well with neutral furniture and metallic accents like gold or silver. In fashion, Smalt can be used in evening wear or formal attire to add a touch of elegance and mystery. It works particularly well with silk and velvet fabrics. In graphic design, Smalt can be used for creating logos or branding materials for companies that want to project an image of trustworthiness and reliability. It is often used in the financial or technology industries.
Educational Materials
Smalt can be incorporated into educational materials such as textbooks or online courses to highlight important concepts or sections. Its calming effect can help students focus and retain information more effectively. It can also be used in scientific visualizations to represent data in a clear and professional manner.