Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hex code #040B9F, is a deep, intense shade of blue. Historically, ultramarine was derived from the precious stone lapis lazuli, making it a highly valued pigment used primarily in Renaissance paintings. Its name originates from the Latin 'ultramarinus,' meaning 'beyond the sea,' referring to its origin from overseas. Today, synthetic ultramarine is readily available, offering the same vibrant hue at a fraction of the cost. In color psychology, ultramarine is often associated with royalty, wisdom, and spirituality. It is considered a cool color that can evoke feelings of calmness and tranquility. Its deep tone makes it a versatile color for various applications, from art and design to fashion and branding, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication wherever it's used.
The color #040B9F, a deep shade of ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its low luminance value of approximately 0.004 makes it difficult to achieve sufficient contrast against lighter backgrounds. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. This dark blue hue will likely fail to meet these ratios with many common background colors, potentially rendering text illegible for some users. To improve accessibility, consider using a much lighter color for text or interface elements displayed against this background. Alternatively, providing sufficient spacing and visual cues can help compensate for the lack of contrast. Testing with accessibility evaluation tools and feedback from users with disabilities are crucial to ensure inclusivity.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Headers and Footers
Ultramarine can be used in website headers and footers to create a sense of depth and sophistication. Its deep hue can provide a solid base for lighter text and graphical elements, ensuring readability and visual appeal. In web design, #040B9F can evoke feelings of trust and stability, which are valuable for businesses in the financial or technological sectors. However, careful consideration must be given to contrast ratios, as the darkness of the color requires appropriately light text colors to maintain accessibility standards. It can be effectively combined with complementary colors or lighter shades of blue to create visually engaging layouts.
Formal Wear
Ultramarine is a classic and sophisticated color often used in formal wear, especially in suits and dresses for evening events. Its deep, rich tone conveys elegance and professionalism, making it suitable for business attire as well. When used in fashion, ultramarine can be paired with neutral colors like gray, black, or white, or can be complemented with warmer tones like gold or burgundy for a striking contrast. The color works well in a variety of fabrics, from silk and velvet to wool and cotton, allowing designers to create versatile and stylish garments.
Corporate Branding
Ultramarine is frequently used in branding for financial institutions and tech companies to convey trust, stability, and innovation. Its association with depth and authority makes it an excellent choice for logos, marketing materials, and office decor. The color can be applied to create a sense of reliability and professionalism, while also hinting at cutting-edge technologies. When used in marketing, ultramarine can be combined with other complementary colors or shades of blue to create a cohesive and visually appealing brand identity. It is important to ensure that the color is consistent across all platforms to maintain brand recognition.