Ultramarine
About Ultramarine (#031095)
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #031095, is a deep and rich shade of blue. Historically, ultramarine was derived from the precious gemstone lapis lazuli, making it one of the most expensive and highly valued pigments used by Renaissance artists. Today, synthetic ultramarine is widely available, but the color retains its association with luxury and sophistication. In color psychology, deep blues like ultramarine often evoke feelings of stability, trust, and authority. It is a non-toxic pigment, known for its excellent lightfastness and resistance to fading. Its spectral reflectance shows a high level of reflectance within the blue range of the visible spectrum, which means that it absorbs a lot of light from the other colors. This gives the color it's strong appearence.
The color #031095, a deep ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in text-based contexts. Due to its low luminance value, it offers very poor contrast against light backgrounds, making it difficult for users with visual impairments to read text rendered in this color. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast ratios are crucial for ensuring readability and usability. Using #031095 for text requires extremely light foreground colors to meet the minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. In user interface design, avoid using this color as the primary color for interactive elements like buttons or links without careful consideration of contrast. Consider using a color contrast checker to assess the contrast ratio against chosen background colors. Larger font sizes and heavier font weights can slightly improve readability, but should not be relied upon as the sole solution. Pairing this color with lighter tints or shades from its own palette can provide some visual relief and improve overall accessibility.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Design
Ultramarine (#031095) can serve as a bold and sophisticated base for a website's color scheme. It's particularly effective in technology, education, or finance sectors, where trust and stability are paramount. Consider pairing it with neutral tones like gray or white to balance its intensity. Use it for headers, navigation bars, and primary calls to action, while ensuring sufficient contrast with text and other elements. In illustrations, this color can add depth and richness.
Fashion Design
In fashion, #031095 can be used for evening wear, adding a touch of elegance and drama. When used as an accent color in accessories or prints, it can create a striking visual impact. It pairs well with both warm and cool tones, allowing for versatile styling options. For example, a silk scarf in this color can complement a neutral-colored outfit, providing a pop of color and sophistication.
Interior Design
In Interior Design, the deep ultramarine hue can bring a sense of luxury and sophistication to a space, best used sparingly and strategically. It works well as an accent color in a minimalist room, or as a feature wall in a larger space. To prevent the room from feeling too dark or closed in, combine with soft whites or creams. It is often used in upholstery or for decorative items, but also works well when applied as an accent color on a white wall.