Prussian Blue
General Information about Prussian Blue
Prussian Blue, also known as Berlin Blue or Iron Blue, is a deep shade of blue with the hex code #023155. It is a complex inorganic pigment produced by oxidizing ferrous ferrocyanide salts. Historically, it was one of the first modern synthetic pigments and played a significant role in the development of paints, inks, and dyes. It is known for its intense color and relative lightfastness, making it a popular choice in various applications ranging from art to industrial coatings. In color psychology, Prussian Blue is often associated with intelligence, stability, and authority. Its depth and richness evoke a sense of trust and sophistication, making it suitable for conveying professionalism and reliability.
Prussian Blue, with its deep and muted tone, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly when used as a background color. The contrast ratio between #023155 and white text is significant but may still fall short of WCAG guidelines for sufficient contrast, especially for users with low vision. Therefore, it's crucial to use a color contrast checker to ensure the chosen text color provides adequate readability. Lighter shades of yellow, orange, or even a very light gray can work well as text colors on a Prussian Blue background. Additionally, avoid using Prussian Blue for small text or intricate details, as its darkness can make it difficult to discern fine features. When using this color in user interface elements, such as buttons or links, ensure sufficient visual cues like borders or icons are present to aid usability. Proper testing with diverse users is always recommended to ensure optimal accessibility.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #191970
Midnight Blue offers a slightly lighter alternative while maintaining a similar dark and sophisticated feel. It provides better contrast with white text, enhancing readability.
- #282c34
Oxford Blue provides a similar depth of color, but with a touch more gray, potentially offering a slightly softer look and improved contrast in certain contexts.
- #212731
NCS S 8010-R90B offers a similar darkness, whilst being more subdued and less saturated.
Applications
Corporate Website Design
Prussian Blue provides a professional and trustworthy aesthetic, making it ideal for websites in the finance, legal, or corporate sectors. Its depth conveys stability and reliability, while its subtle nature prevents it from being overpowering. It is well-suited for backgrounds, headers, and accents when paired with complementary colors and a clean, modern layout. The color can be effectively used to highlight important information and create a sense of sophistication.
Interior Design: Calming Interiors
The deep, saturated hue of Prussian Blue evokes a sense of tranquility and depth, making it a perfect choice for bedrooms and studies. Its calming influence promotes relaxation and concentration. It pairs beautifully with natural wood tones and lighter shades of blue or gray for a balanced and inviting atmosphere. Accessorize with metallic accents, like gold or copper, to add a touch of sophistication and warmth.
Fashion: Formal Wear
Prussian Blue is a popular choice for formal wear. Its dark tone makes it a good substitute to black, whilst offering a touch of sophistication and elegance to any outfit. It can be paired with metallic accessories or light complementary accents.