Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
The color #03019A, commonly known as Ultramarine, is a deep, vibrant shade of blue. It belongs to the blue color family and is often associated with qualities like trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven. In color theory, Ultramarine blue is a primary color in the subtractive color model (CMYK), and it is a tertiary color in the additive color model (RGB). Historically, Ultramarine was derived from the gemstone lapis lazuli, making it a highly prized pigment. The synthetic version, created in the 19th century, made it more accessible. It carries a rich cultural significance, often linked to royalty and religious iconography.
The hex color #03019A, also known as Ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in web design. Its extremely dark hue results in very low contrast against typical light backgrounds like white or pale yellow. This makes text or interface elements using this color difficult to read for users with visual impairments, including those with low vision or color blindness. To ensure inclusivity, it is imperative to use #03019A sparingly and pair it with very light colors, such as white (#FFFFFF) or a light yellow (#FFFFE0), to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for contrast ratios. Alternatively, consider using lighter shades of blue or complementary colors that offer better contrast. Careful attention to color contrast is crucial for creating accessible and user-friendly digital experiences.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
Ultramarine (#03019A) can be effectively used in website headers and navigation bars to create a sense of depth and sophistication. When combined with a light, contrasting text color, it ensures readability and enhances the overall user experience. Its rich, deep hue evokes feelings of trust and stability, making it suitable for websites in the finance, technology, or education sectors. It should be used sparingly in body text due to contrast issues, but it can be excellent for interactive elements like buttons when paired with appropriate hover states.
Interior Design
In interior design, Ultramarine (#03019A) can be incorporated as an accent wall color in a living room or bedroom to create a calming and luxurious atmosphere. It pairs well with neutral colors like gray, beige, or white. The deep blue can also be used in decorative elements such as cushions, rugs, or artwork to add pops of color and visual interest to a space. Consider balancing the richness of this color with natural light and lighter furnishings to prevent the room from feeling too dark or overwhelming.
Fashion
In fashion, Ultramarine (#03019A) can be used in evening wear or formal attire to create a sophisticated and elegant look. It's a powerful color that can make a statement, and can be beautifully combined with silver or gold accessories. For everyday wear, it can be used as an accent color in scarves, handbags, or shoes to add a touch of richness to an outfit. Because it's such a saturated color, it is often best paired with neutrals such as black, white, gray, or beige.