Ultramarine

General Information about Ultramarine

Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #020A96, is a deep, rich blue hue. It is a dark shade of blue, almost approaching indigo in its intensity. Historically, ultramarine was derived from the precious stone lapis lazuli, making it a highly valued pigment, particularly in Renaissance painting. Its name, derived from Latin, literally means "beyond the sea", reflecting its origin as a pigment imported from Asia. Today, synthetic ultramarine is readily available, but the name retains its association with high quality and historical significance. In modern color theory, ultramarine is considered a cool color, often associated with feelings of calmness, stability, and depth.

The color #020A96, also known as Ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, primarily due to its very dark hue and low luminance value. When used as a foreground color, it demands extremely light background colors to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. A crucial aspect of web accessibility guidelines (WCAG) is contrast ratio. A minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 is required for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Using #020A96 on a background that isn't sufficiently light will fail these guidelines, making content difficult or impossible for users with visual impairments to read. Therefore, when incorporating #020A96, careful consideration must be given to the background color to ensure compliance with accessibility standards. Tools are available to check color contrast ratios and confirm adherence to WCAG standards. Also avoid using this color for crucial UI elements.

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Digital Color Formats

Alternative colors

Applications

• Banking Website Design

  Ultramarine is often used to evoke feelings of trust, security, and stability. In banking websites or financial applications, #020A96 can provide a sense of reliability and professionalism. It's suitable for headers, footers, or as an accent color to highlight important information. However, due to its dark nature, it should be paired with lighter colors for optimal readability and user experience. Avoiding its use as a background color for large text blocks is crucial.

• Cosmetics Branding

  In the beauty industry, Ultramarine, #020A96, can be featured to promote sophistication and elegance, especially in branding for high-end cosmetic lines or skincare products. The color can be integrated into packaging design, website layouts, and marketing materials to convey a sense of luxury and exclusivity. It can be used sparingly as an accent color, as its darkness requires careful balance with lighter shades to maintain visual appeal and prevent an overwhelming effect.

• Interior Design Accent

  In interior design, ultramarine can serve as an accent color to create depth and visual interest. It works well in moderation, such as in throw pillows, artwork, or a feature wall, to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to a room. Consider combining it with lighter neutrals to achieve a balanced and harmonious atmosphere. Avoid using it as a dominant color in small rooms as it can make the space feel smaller and more enclosed.

Complementary color

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