Ultramarine

General Information about Ultramarine (#050696)

The color #050696, also known as Ultramarine, is a deep and intense shade of blue. It belongs to the blue color family and is often associated with depth, stability, and trust. Historically, Ultramarine pigment was derived from the rare and precious mineral lapis lazuli, making it a highly valued color in art and decoration. In modern color theory, #050696 is characterized by its low saturation and luminance, resulting in a rich and somewhat muted appearance. Its RGB values are R:5, G:6, B:150, indicating a dominant presence of blue with very little red and green. In the CMYK color model, its approximate values are C:97, M:96, Y:0, K:41. The color finds common usage in branding, graphic design, and various artistic applications, where its distinctive tone can convey feelings of formality and reliability. When used effectively, Ultramarine adds an element of sophistication and understated elegance.

The hex color #050696, a deep shade of blue often referred to as Ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in web design. Its low luminance value means that text rendered in this color against a white or light-colored background will likely fail to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for contrast ratio. Specifically, the contrast ratio between #050696 and white is insufficient for users with visual impairments, making it difficult to read. To improve accessibility, consider using this color sparingly and pairing it with very light colors like white (#FFFFFF) or very bright shades of yellow (#FFFF00) for text. Alternatively, using #050696 for larger graphic elements or as a background color with appropriately contrasting foreground elements can be effective. Thorough testing with accessibility tools is crucial to ensure compliance and a positive user experience for everyone. Remember that color should not be the sole means of conveying information; always provide redundant cues such as text labels or icons.

Shades

Digital Color Formats

Alternative colors

Applications

• Web Design Accent

  Ultramarine, represented by #050696, can serve as a powerful accent color in website designs aiming for a sophisticated and trustworthy feel. It's particularly well-suited for header backgrounds or call-to-action buttons on financial or educational websites, evoking a sense of authority and stability. In user interface design, it can highlight key interactive elements, drawing the user's attention to important functions or notifications. The deep, rich hue can also be used to create visually striking data visualizations, setting it apart from lighter data series. However, designers must be mindful of its low luminance value and ensure sufficient contrast with text and other elements to meet accessibility guidelines. Appropriate use of complementary colors and sufficient negative space will prevent this striking hue from overwhelming the overall design.

• Beauty and Cosmetics

  Ultramarine, with its deep, luxurious tone, is frequently employed in the beauty industry to represent high-end skincare and cosmetic products. The color #050696 embodies sophistication and exclusivity, making it an ideal choice for packaging designs of night creams, serums, and premium eye shadows. Often combined with gold or silver accents, it reinforces a sense of quality and efficacy, appealing to consumers seeking prestige and effective solutions. Moreover, in makeup artistry, ultramarine pigments can be used to create captivating smoky eye looks or dramatic accents, offering a bold statement. Due to its intense pigmentation, careful blending is essential to achieve a polished and professional finish.

• Interior Design

  In interior design, #050696, Ultramarine, can be used to create a space that is both calming and sophisticated. It works particularly well in bedrooms or studies, where a sense of tranquility is desired. As an accent wall color, it can add depth and visual interest to a room without being overwhelming. It pairs beautifully with neutral colors like gray, beige, and white, creating a balanced and harmonious environment. Furthermore, ultramarine can be incorporated through textiles such as curtains, rugs, and throw pillows, providing pops of color that complement the overall design scheme. When using this color, it is important to consider the lighting of the room, as it can appear darker under low light conditions.

Complementary color

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