Prussian Blue
General Information about Prussian Blue
Prussian Blue, represented by the hex code #03305a, is a deep and rich shade of blue. It is known for its historical significance as one of the first synthetically produced modern pigments. The color's name originates from its association with Prussian military uniforms, which were often dyed with this distinctive blue. Chemically, Prussian Blue is an iron hexacyanoferrate. In the RGB color model, #03305a is composed of 1.2% red, 18.8% green, and 35.3% blue. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 97% cyan, 46.8% magenta, 0% yellow, and 64.7% black. This color evokes feelings of depth, stability, and sophistication. It is often associated with trust, authority, and intelligence. Due to it's deep saturation, it is mainly used for accents and very rarely as the dominant color.
The hex color #03305a, a deep shade of Prussian Blue, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in web design. Its low luminance value of 0.011 makes it difficult to achieve sufficient contrast against lighter backgrounds. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is required for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Given the darkness of this color, it necessitates the use of very light foreground colors like white or pale yellow to meet these standards. Even then, careful evaluation is crucial to ensure readability for users with visual impairments. Insufficient contrast can cause eye strain and make content inaccessible. When using #03305a, prioritize user experience by rigorously testing color combinations with accessibility tools and considering alternative, lighter shades to improve overall usability and inclusivity.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design for Corporate Websites
Prussian Blue can be used to create a sophisticated and trustworthy atmosphere in web design. It's suitable for websites related to finance, technology, or law, where conveying a sense of stability and reliability is essential. Use it for headers, navigation bars, or background accents to evoke a sense of professionalism. However, avoid using it for large blocks of text due to its low contrast. Pair it with lighter, complementary colors to ensure readability and visual balance. The color can also be used sparingly for icons and other graphical elements to add depth and visual interest without overwhelming the user.
Interior Design for Relaxing Spaces
In interior design, Prussian Blue can be used to create a calming and elegant space. It works well in bedrooms, studies, or living rooms. Combine it with neutral colors like beige, gray, or white to balance its intensity. Incorporate it through wall paint, furniture upholstery, or decorative accessories. Prussian Blue is known for creating an relaxing vibe and is perfect to be used in spaces, where relaxation is key.
Fashion for sophisticated styles
In fashion, Prussian Blue can be used as a sophisticated and versatile color for clothing. It pairs well with neutral colors like white, black, and gray, as well as with other bold colors like mustard yellow and burgundy. Accessorize an outfit with jewellry in gold or silver. The hue can be used as a base color or combined with other dark and cold colors, such as dark greens or dark violets.