Ultramarine
About Ultramarine (#050497)
The hex color #050497, known as Ultramarine, is a deep shade of blue that evokes feelings of sophistication, trust, and stability. It is composed of 2% red, 1.6% green and 59.2% blue. Ultramarine's historical significance lies in its origin as a pigment derived from the precious stone lapis lazuli, making it highly valued and reserved for special uses, such as religious paintings and royal commissions. In modern color theory, ultramarine retains its association with high quality and formality. Its deep and intense hue can add depth and richness to designs, making it suitable for various applications, from branding to digital interfaces. Understanding its historical and psychological impact allows designers to leverage ultramarine effectively to communicate specific messages and create impactful visuals.
The color #050497, a deep ultramarine, presents considerable accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When used as text, it necessitates a very light background to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for readability. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Ensure that any interactive elements using this color, such as buttons or links, have sufficient visual cues beyond color alone, such as underlines or borders. Providing alternative high-contrast themes can significantly improve accessibility for users with visual impairments or color vision deficiencies. Thorough testing with accessibility tools is essential to validate the color's suitability across diverse user needs and devices. Remember, prioritizing accessibility ensures inclusivity and enhances the user experience for everyone.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter blue that still evokes a sense of depth but provides better contrast against white backgrounds.
A more muted blue that can be used as a secondary color without overwhelming the design.
A vibrant blue that captures attention as a highlight color, useful for primary actions.
Applications
Web Design for Trust
In web design, ultramarine can be used as a primary color for themes that want to convey trust, security, and professionalism. It is suitable for financial institutions, legal firms, or educational platforms. The color can be implemented in navigation bars, headers, and footers to create a consistent and reliable visual identity. However, it is crucial to use it sparingly and combine it with lighter, contrasting colors for readability and accessibility. Additionally, consider using it for highlighting important calls to action to draw the user's attention effectively. Background colors should be tested against text in the foreground to be compliant with WCAG standards.
Luxury Beauty Packaging
Ultramarine is often used in beauty and cosmetic packaging to represent high-quality and luxury. Its rich hue conveys elegance and sophistication, making it a popular choice for premium skincare and makeup brands. The color is frequently featured on containers, labels, and promotional materials to attract consumers and communicate a sense of refinement. When combined with gold or silver accents, it enhances the product's perceived value. In marketing campaigns, ultramarine is used to evoke feelings of confidence and timeless beauty, aligning with the brand's identity and target audience.
Sophisticated Fashion
In the realm of fashion, ultramarine serves as a versatile color for creating bold and sophisticated looks. It can be used in clothing, accessories, and footwear to add depth and visual interest. A single ultramarine garment can be a statement piece, while smaller ultramarine accents like scarves or jewelry can complement neutral outfits. The color is particularly effective in formal wear, evening gowns, and tailored suits, exuding confidence and style. Fashion designers often pair ultramarine with contrasting colors like white, gold, or even vibrant reds to create striking ensembles.