Ultramarine
About Ultramarine
The hex color #021399, commonly known as Ultramarine, is a deep and intense shade of blue. It's created by combining a very small amount of red and green with a large amount of blue in the RGB color model. In the CMYK model, it's composed almost entirely of cyan and magenta, with a touch of yellow and black. Ultramarine is often associated with feelings of serenity, depth, and sophistication. Historically, the pigment Ultramarine was derived from the precious stone lapis lazuli, making it a highly valued color in art. Today, synthetic versions allow for broader use, while retaining the color's regal and sophisticated character, and continuing to be used across different industries. Its rich hue makes it a popular choice for conveying a sense of luxury and elegance.
The color #021399, a deep ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its extremely low luminance makes it difficult to perceive for individuals with low vision or color blindness. When used as text, it requires a very light background to meet WCAG contrast ratio guidelines. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Using this color for crucial interface elements or information delivery should be avoided unless paired with careful consideration of contrast. Ensure sufficient contrast with foreground elements to avoid readability issues. Consider providing alternative high-contrast themes or customizable color options to enhance accessibility for all users. Proper testing with assistive technologies is vital to guarantee a positive user experience.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Branding and Design
Ultramarine, with its intense depth, finds notable use in branding for technology companies aiming to convey innovation, trust, and stability. Its application extends to creating visually impactful website designs, providing a sophisticated and professional user experience. In the realm of fashion, ultramarine serves as an accent color, lending an air of elegance to outfits, especially when coupled with neutral tones or metallic accessories. Furthermore, interior designers leverage the color to evoke feelings of serenity and focus in home offices or study areas, effectively creating productive and calm environments, or as a bold accent wall in living spaces.
Beauty and Art
In the beauty industry, ultramarine's rich pigment makes it a popular choice for eyeshadows and eyeliners, creating dramatic and captivating eye looks. Its use extends to nail polish, offering a bold and sophisticated statement. Artists use ultramarine in paintings to depict night skies, deep oceans, or shadows, due to its ability to create depth and atmosphere. The color's versatile nature allows it to evoke a sense of mystery and sophistication in various creative applications, making it a preferred choice for those seeking to make a lasting impression.
Website Design
The bold character of Ultramarine provides a strong accent color in website design, where it can be used for buttons, headers or key navigational elements. Its depth can draw the eye, create visual interest and provide an elegant experience.