Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #030E98, is a deep, intense shade of blue. Historically, ultramarine was a highly prized pigment made from the gemstone lapis lazuli, making it one of the most expensive and sought-after colors for artists during the medieval and Renaissance periods. Its name literally means 'beyond the sea,' reflecting its origin from stones imported into Europe from distant lands. In the RGB color model, #030E98 consists of 1.2% red, 5.5% green, and 59.6% blue. This rich color evokes feelings of calmness, depth, and sophistication and is often associated with royalty, wisdom, and spirituality. The color is now synthetically produced, making it widely accessible.
The color #030E98, a deep shade of ultramarine, presents accessibility challenges, particularly regarding color contrast. When used as text against a white background, the contrast ratio is very low, making it difficult for users with visual impairments to read. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is crucial for readability. To improve accessibility, consider using a lighter color for the background or a lighter shade of blue, such as #ADD8E6 (light blue), for the text. Ensuring a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text is recommended. Alternatively, provide visual cues besides color to convey information.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
User Interface Design
Ultramarine, with its depth and sophistication, lends itself well to creating visually appealing user interfaces. It can be used for headings, buttons, or accents to guide the user's eye and create a sense of hierarchy. When utilizing it for UI elements, ensure sufficient contrast against background colors to maintain optimal readability and accessibility. Complementary color schemes or lighter shades can be implemented to enhance usability without sacrificing the color's intended effect.
Packaging Design
The color is perfect for packaging designs that aim to convey trust, stability, or quality. Its deep hue can be used to evoke a sense of luxury or exclusivity, making it suitable for high-end products or services. Using ultramarine sparingly and pairing it with complementary colors or metallic accents can elevate the overall design and create a memorable visual impact.
Interior Design
Ultramarine adds a pop of sophisticated color to interior design as an accent wall or furniture piece. It creates a calming, dramatic effect especially in bedrooms or living rooms. Pair it with neutral palettes like white or gray to keep the space balanced and relaxing, or use it as an accent color in textiles like pillows or rugs.