Ultramarine

General Information About Ultramarine

Ultramarine, represented by the hex code #040197, is a deep blue pigment originally derived from the precious mineral lapis lazuli. Its name, literally meaning "beyond the sea", reflects its historical journey from mines in Asia to Europe. This pigment was highly prized by Renaissance artists for its exceptional brilliance and resistance to fading. Today, synthetic ultramarine is widely available, offering a more affordable alternative while retaining the color's characteristic richness. It is commonly used in paints, inks, and plastics, prized for its stable and vibrant hue. Ultramarine is located in the blue section of the color spectrum, known for its association with depth, stability, and intelligence.

The color #040197, a deep ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its very low luminance value of 0.002 means that text rendered in this color requires extremely light foreground colors to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) contrast standards. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. Given the darkness of ultramarine, only colors approaching pure white will provide sufficient contrast. When using this color for backgrounds, ensure all interactive elements and text have adequate contrast. Providing options for users to adjust color schemes can further enhance accessibility. Also, avoid using this color as the sole means of conveying important information, as users with color vision deficiencies may not be able to distinguish it effectively from other dark shades.

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Alternative colors

Applications

• Sophisticated Web Headers

  Ultramarine, with its profound depth, serves exceptionally well in web design for elements requiring sophistication and prominence. It can be utilized to create visually striking headers or as a background for brief call-to-action sections. The boldness of this color will immediately capture the visitor's attention. It's essential to use it sparingly to avoid overwhelming the user experience, and it should be thoughtfully balanced with lighter colors to ensure readability and maintain accessibility standards. This color is perfect for technology, finance, or luxury brands.

• Dramatic Eye Makeup

  In the realm of beauty and cosmetics, ultramarine is often employed to add depth and intensity to eye makeup. Eyeshadows and eyeliners benefit from its richness, enhancing eye color and creating dramatic looks. It is also a very versatile color that fits both bold and subtle styles. Nail polish is another area where ultramarine can be used to create bold and expressive statements. However, due to its strong pigmentation, formulations require careful balancing to ensure safety and even application.

• Luxurious Interior Accents

  Ultramarine's association with royalty and timelessness makes it an attractive choice for interior design projects aimed at creating sophisticated and luxurious spaces. It can be used as an accent color on walls to introduce a dramatic focal point or in furniture upholstery to bring an element of lavishness. When combined with metallic accents like gold or silver, this color can create a visually stunning and upscale ambiance. However, moderation is key to avoiding an overly somber atmosphere; balance with lighter neutrals.

Complementary color

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