Ultramarine
About Ultramarine (#021496)
The hexadecimal color code #021496 represents a dark shade of blue, often referred to as Ultramarine. It's composed of 0.78% red, 7.84% green, and 58.82% blue. In the RGB color model, it's defined by the values (2, 20, 150). This color falls under the category of cool colors and is associated with depth, stability, and confidence. Ultramarine has a rich history, originally derived from the rare and expensive mineral lapis lazuli. In the past, its usage was often reserved for royalty and religious figures. Today, it's widely used in various applications, from digital design to traditional art, due to its striking visual impact and ability to evoke a sense of sophistication.
The color #021496, also known as Ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its dark hue. When used as a background, it necessitates very light text (white or near-white) to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. Ultramarine may struggle to meet these ratios with moderately dark text colors. Designers should use contrast checking tools to verify compliance. When used for text, Ultramarine requires a very light background. Moreover, consider users with visual impairments who may perceive colors differently; providing alternative color schemes or allowing users to customize colors can greatly enhance accessibility. Avoid using Ultramarine as the sole means of conveying information, such as in charts or graphs, without accompanying labels or textual descriptions.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
Ultramarine, with its rich and deep blue tone, can be effectively used in website headers and footers to create a sense of sophistication and professionalism. In user interface design, it can serve as an accent color for buttons, icons, and progress bars, providing a visually appealing element without being too overwhelming. In data visualization, Ultramarine can represent a primary category or dataset, allowing for clear differentiation from other elements. It's important to pair it with contrasting colors, such as white or yellow, to ensure readability and accessibility.
Branding
Ultramarine evokes feelings of calmness and trust, making it suitable for branding materials in the finance and technology industries. It can be incorporated into logos, business cards, and presentation templates to convey reliability and competence. In print media, Ultramarine can add depth to brochures and marketing collateral, while its association with luxury and elegance makes it appropriate for high-end product packaging. Careful consideration should be given to the paper stock and printing techniques to ensure accurate color reproduction.
Interior Design and Fashion
In interior design, Ultramarine can be used as an accent wall color to create a focal point in a room. It pairs well with neutral colors like white, beige, and gray, allowing the blue to stand out without overpowering the space. Ultramarine can also be incorporated through textiles, such as curtains, cushions, and rugs, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication. In fashion, Ultramarine is a versatile color that can be worn in various ways, from statement dresses to subtle accessories. It complements both warm and cool skin tones.