Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #050893, is a deep, intense shade of blue, closely associated with the pigment derived from lapis lazuli. It falls within the blue color family, characterized by its strong saturation and relatively low lightness. Historically, ultramarine pigment was highly valued, often more expensive than gold, and reserved for significant artistic works, particularly in religious paintings to depict the robes of the Virgin Mary. In modern color theory, ultramarine is considered a tertiary color, resulting from the mixing of primary blue with violet. Its color properties place it within the cool spectrum, evoking feelings of calmness, serenity, and sophistication. The RGB values for Ultramarine are R:5, G:8, B:147. The CMYK values are C:97, M:95, Y:0, K:42. The hue, saturation, and value (HSV) values are H:238, S:97, V:58. The hue, saturation, and lightness (HSL) values are H:238, S:94, L:30.
The color #050893, also known as Ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its low luminance value of 1.73 makes it difficult to read text rendered in this color against a white or even light-colored background. According to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards, the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text to meet AA compliance. Ultramarine falls far short of these requirements, necessitating careful consideration of color pairings. To improve accessibility, it's advisable to use Ultramarine sparingly, especially for text or interactive elements. Pairing it with very light colors, such as white (#FFFFFF) or a light yellow (#FFFFE0), can help to achieve an acceptable contrast ratio. Providing alternative text descriptions for images or graphical elements that use Ultramarine is also crucial. Furthermore, consider offering users the option to adjust the color scheme of the website or application to better suit their individual needs. Tools like contrast checkers can assist in evaluating the accessibility of color combinations.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design Accents
Ultramarine can be effectively used to create a sense of depth and sophistication in web design. It is suited as an accent color for interactive elements like buttons, links, or highlighting text. It should be used in moderation, reserving it to draw attention to key elements. For example, on a portfolio website, Ultramarine can be used for the call-to-action buttons, such as 'View Projects' or 'Contact Me', helping them stand out against a lighter background. In dashboard interfaces, Ultramarine can represent key data points, visually communicating information. Ultramarine is also suitable for backgrounds in hero sections, especially when paired with white or off-white text, to create a visually impactful header.
Beauty and Fashion
In the realm of beauty, Ultramarine is a versatile shade, well-suited for eye makeup to add drama and depth. An Ultramarine eyeliner or eyeshadow can make the eyes appear more prominent and can be used as an accent to highlight the eyes. As for fashion, it can be incorporated into evening wear for a touch of sophistication or boldness. Imagine an Ultramarine gown that radiates elegance and confidence. An Ultramarine silk scarf can add a touch of luxury to any outfit, especially when paired with neutral tones. Ultramarine accessories like handbags or shoes can be used to create focal points in an ensemble, injecting vibrant energy into a more muted look.
Interior Design Accents
Ultramarine can be used to add a pop of color to a neutral color palette. Think of throw pillows or artwork against white walls. A single Ultramarine accent wall can transform a room, creating a focal point and adding visual interest. It may be used in combination with shades of white, gray, and wood tones to achieve a balance of modern and classic styles. Consider Ultramarine-colored ceramics or glass vases to accent shelves. The color could also serve as a bold color for upholstery. However, it is important to avoid overpowering a space with too much ultramarine, as it is a very saturated color.