Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine (#020296)
The hex color code #020296 represents a shade of blue known as Ultramarine. It's a dark, saturated color, often associated with depth, stability, and intelligence. In the RGB color model, it consists of 0.78% red, 0.78% green, and 58.82% blue. In the HSV (or HSB) color space, #020296 has a hue of 240 degrees, a saturation of 99%, and a brightness of 59%. Ultramarine pigments were historically derived from the mineral lapis lazuli, making it a highly prized and expensive color. Nowadays, synthetic ultramarine is widely available. Its common usage is in graphic design, digital art, and as a color in various coding applications. Its dark tone should be considered when pairing it with lighter foreground colors to ensure readability. The CMYK representation is 99% cyan, 99% magenta, 0% yellow, and 41% black.
The color #020296, a deep ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its low luminance value (very dark) necessitates careful consideration of contrast ratios. When used as a background color, it requires very light text (white or near-white) to ensure sufficient contrast, ideally adhering to WCAG AA or AAA standards. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text is crucial. Avoid using this color for essential interactive elements or links without clear visual cues and sufficient contrast. Furthermore, consider providing alternative text descriptions for any visual content that relies heavily on this color. The color should not be used as the only visual means to convey information. To enhance accessibility, testing with assistive technologies like screen readers is recommended to ensure usability for all users. The dark shade can also cause issues for users with light sensitivity.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1e1eff
A slightly lighter shade of blue that still offers a rich, deep color but with improved contrast against white text.
- #3333ff
A more vibrant blue that provides better visibility and is suitable for highlighting elements.
- #4646ff
A lighter blue alternative which is a better choice as background color and offers more contrast.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, ultramarine (#020296) can be employed to create a sense of depth and sophistication. It's particularly effective in header backgrounds or as an accent color in minimalist designs. Due to its darkness, it's best paired with bright, contrasting colors for text and interactive elements to ensure readability and usability. It can also be used for decorative elements or icons, but sparingly, to avoid overwhelming the user. Ultramarine works well on websites for financial, governmental or educational institutions.
Fashion
In fashion, ultramarine can be used as an accent color in accessories or apparel. A dark blue silk scarf may be an elegant addition to a light-colored outfit. Alternatively, it can be used in active wear, adding a layer of sophistication to workout leggings. Because the hex code is very dark, it should not be used for large areas of clothing and more for visual accents and decorative elements. Consider ultramarine as a base for a color gradient.
Beauty
Ultramarine can be used in beauty products like gel nail polish. Its a very elegant choice for a simple dress and can be combined with silver jewelry. It can be used in make-up for eyeshadows for creating a very dark look. Use this color wisely and make sure it fits to the skin of the consumer.