Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine (#050D93) is a deep, vivid blue color that derives its name from the Latin "ultramarinus," meaning "beyond the sea," as it was originally imported from minerals found overseas. Historically, ultramarine was created by grinding lapis lazuli into a pigment, making it one of the most expensive and prized colors used by Renaissance artists. Today, synthetic versions of ultramarine are widely available, offering the same rich hue at a more accessible price. In color psychology, ultramarine is associated with depth, stability, trust, and intelligence. It evokes feelings of calmness and can promote a sense of security and confidence. Its hexadecimal triplet is 050D93, representing very low values of red and green and a high value of blue, reflecting its place in the blue color spectrum.
The color #050D93, also known as Ultramarine, presents considerable accessibility challenges due to its dark hue. When used as a background color, it requires very light text (white or near-white) to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG guidelines, 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 standards. Ultramarine significantly fails to meet these standards with darker text colors. Therefore, to enhance accessibility, it's advisable to pair it with light color text, and conduct thorough testing with accessibility evaluation tools to confirm compliance. Also, avoid using it for interactive elements unless the visual cues are extremely clear and meet contrast requirements, especially for users with low vision or color blindness. Providing alternative styling options for users can further improve the experience.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
Ultramarine, with its intense and profound hue, can be used in website design to evoke feelings of trust, security, and sophistication. It's particularly effective in the financial sector or corporate websites where conveying reliability is crucial. As a background color, it provides a sense of depth. When used sparingly for accents, it draws attention to key elements. In user interface design, Ultramarine can highlight primary action buttons or important navigational elements, ensuring they stand out against lighter backgrounds, thereby enhancing the user experience and guiding them through the website's functionalities.
Interior Design
In interior design, Ultramarine serves as a bold accent color. It can be used on walls to create a dramatic focal point in living rooms or bedrooms, balanced with neutral furniture and decor to prevent overwhelming the space. In smaller doses, Ultramarine accessories such as cushions, vases, or artwork can add pops of color to an otherwise subdued room. It pairs exceptionally well with whites, grays, and natural wood tones, creating a sophisticated and balanced aesthetic. The deep blue hue can bring a sense of serenity and elegance.
Fashion
In fashion, Ultramarine provides a rich, luxurious look. It is often used in evening wear, formal suits, or statement pieces like coats and dresses. As an accent color, it can appear in accessories such as scarves, handbags, and shoes, adding a touch of elegance to any outfit. Because Ultramarine is a cool color, it is best paired with warm tones such as gold, beige, or orange to create a balanced and visually appealing ensemble. This vivid color can evoke feelings of confidence, making it a powerful choice for personal expression.