Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #020696, is a deep and intense shade of blue. This color derives its name from the Latin 'ultramarinus,' meaning 'beyond the sea,' as it was originally made from lapis lazuli imported from Asia. In the RGB color model, #020696 consists of 0.78% red, 2.35% green, and 58.82% blue. In the CMYK color model, it is composed of 99% cyan, 97% magenta, 0% yellow, and 41% black. Ultramarine blue is known for its exceptional lightfastness and stability, making it a preferred pigment in various applications. The color is heavily associated with royalty and the navy because of its rich and stable properties. In painting, ultramarine blue has been highly prized since the Middle Ages and Renaissance, known for its purity and brilliance.
The color #020696, a deep shade of ultramarine, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly when used as a text color. Due to its low luminance, it requires careful consideration of contrast ratios to ensure readability for users with visual impairments. 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. When using #020696 for text, it is crucial to pair it with a very light background color, such as white (#FFFFFF) or a very pale yellow, to meet these contrast requirements. When used for decorative elements or non-textual content, the contrast requirements are less stringent, but it's still important to consider the overall visual experience. Insufficient contrast can cause eye strain and make it difficult for users to perceive the information presented. Tools like WebAIM's contrast checker can be valuable in assessing color combinations and ensuring accessibility compliance.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4169e1
A lighter blue that offers better contrast against dark backgrounds, ensuring readability and a modern aesthetic.
- #4682b4
A slightly desaturated blue that provides a softer visual impact while maintaining a sense of depth and calmness.
- #007bff
A vibrant medium blue, offers good readability and works well for interactive elements and highlights.
Applications
Corporate Branding for Financial Institutions
Ultramarine, with its depth and richness, evokes feelings of trustworthiness and authority, making it a great color for financial or legal institutions. The deep hue brings sophistication and gives a sense of security and professionalism. It could be used in website design for these entities or branding materials where they want to project reliability. In user interfaces, it can be used to highlight secure areas.
Immersive UI/UX Design for Digital Media
Ultramarine can be used to create immersive and captivating designs that draw viewers into a different world. Because it is reminiscent of the deep sea and outer space, it is a great choice when designing video games, websites, or mobile apps. The intense blue can be used to make game environments that are atmospheric, for website backgrounds with cosmic themes, or for user interface elements that emphasize depth and dimension, offering users a visually rich and immersive experience.
High-Fashion Design
The striking Ultramarine hue will add a touch of elegance to any fashion collection. Envision a silk gown that is sophisticated or accessories that add a touch of colour. This shade works particularly well for evening wear, where its rich tone will enhance the fabric's texture. It can also be used in casual wear to give a pop of colour that will catch the eye and give the outfit a more unique look. Designers might incorporate this vibrant colour to create statement pieces that show off their creativity and attention to detail.