Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #031598, is a deep, intense blue hue. It's derived from the pigment lapis lazuli, a semi-precious stone that has been ground into powder since the 6th and 7th centuries. The name 'ultramarine' literally means 'beyond the sea,' as the pigment was originally imported to Europe from mines in Asia. In the RGB color model, #031598 consists of 1.2% red, 8.24% green, and 59.61% blue. In the CMYK color model, which is used for printing, it is composed of 99% cyan, 86% magenta, 0% yellow, and 40% black. Ultramarine is often associated with royalty, wisdom, and spirituality due to its historical significance and the cost associated with its production. Today, synthetic ultramarine is readily available and widely used in paints, inks, and plastics.
The hex color #031598, a deep ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its low lightness value results in poor contrast against light backgrounds, making text and interactive elements difficult to read for users with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. This color is unlikely to meet those requirements when paired with standard white or light gray backgrounds. Web developers should avoid using this color for text or essential interface components unless paired with a very light color. Using color contrast tools is crucial to ensure sufficient contrast and avoid accessibility barriers. Considering alternative, lighter shades or using this color sparingly for decorative elements only are recommended strategies to improve accessibility.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A lighter shade of blue that offers better contrast and readability, making it suitable for text and interactive elements.
A more vibrant blue that can draw attention without sacrificing accessibility when paired with appropriate background colors.
A lighter alternative for use in backgrounds to ensure high color contrast
Applications
Corporate Branding
Ultramarine, with its depth and richness, evokes feelings of trust and stability, making it a fitting choice for branding in financial institutions or tech companies. It can be utilized in logos, website headers, and call-to-action buttons to project an image of reliability and security. Used sparingly in data visualizations, it can highlight important trends or insights, guiding the user's focus effectively. The deep blue also creates a sense of professionalism and competence. Care should be taken when combining it with other colors in the palette to ensure balance and visual harmony, avoiding any overwhelming or distracting effects.
Interior Design
Ultramarine can be incorporated into interior design to create a serene and sophisticated atmosphere. It works particularly well in bedrooms or study areas, where a calm and focused environment is desired. As an accent color, it can be used on throw pillows, wall art, or area rugs to add depth and interest to a space. When paired with neutral tones such as gray or beige, it brings a touch of elegance and refinement. In larger doses, such as on walls or furniture, it can create a bold statement, though it is essential to balance it with lighter elements to prevent the room from feeling too dark or heavy. It brings both warmth and peace to a room.
Web Application Design
This blue evokes nautical feelings of the ocean, making it ideal to convey these feelings in tourism and travel related web applications. Using it in icons, backgrounds and titles, allows you to quickly convey feelings of the ocean and related travel themes.