Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #06019A, is a deep and intense shade of blue. Historically, ultramarine was derived from the precious gemstone lapis lazuli, making it one of the most expensive and prized pigments. The name 'ultramarine' literally means 'beyond the sea,' as the pigment was imported into Europe from mines in Asia. This color is known for its exceptional depth, brilliance, and lightfastness. In the RGB color model, #06019A is composed of 2.4% red, 0.4% green, and 60.4% blue. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 96% cyan, 99% magenta, 0% yellow, and 39.6% black. Ultramarine is often associated with royalty, intellect, and spirituality, due to its historical connection to wealth and its use in religious art. Modern ultramarine is typically synthesized, making it more accessible and affordable while retaining its vibrant qualities.
The color #06019A, a deep Ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in web design. Its low luminance value of approximately 1, makes it difficult to read text against a background of this color. According to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), sufficient contrast between text and background is crucial for readability, particularly for users with visual impairments. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Ultramarine, due to its darkness, would likely require very light text (e.g., white or very pale yellow) to meet these standards. Using this color as a background for large areas of text should be avoided. Careful consideration should be given to the font size, weight, and surrounding context to ensure content is accessible to all users, including those with color vision deficiencies or low vision. Employing tools to check contrast ratios is highly recommended during the design process.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Cosmetic Packaging
Ultramarine, with its depth and richness, lends itself beautifully to cosmetic product packaging, particularly for products emphasizing luxury and sophistication. The color evokes feelings of elegance and timelessness, making it ideal for high-end skincare lines or premium makeup collections. When used on packaging, it can be paired with gold or silver accents to enhance the sense of opulence and create a visually appealing product that stands out on shelves. The deep blue also suggests a sense of scientific innovation, making it useful for innovative beauty technologies.
Web Design for Trustworthy Brands
In web design, ultramarine can be utilized to create a sophisticated and trustworthy brand identity. It's suitable for financial institutions or organizations wanting to convey stability and authority. The color can be incorporated into logos, headings, and accent elements to draw attention and communicate a sense of professionalism. However, due to its dark nature, it should be used sparingly as a background color. Ensure adequate contrast ratios with text and other elements to maintain accessibility and readability for all users. It could also be used in loading animations.
Fashionable Evening Wear
Ultramarine can be employed in fashion to create elegant and dramatic evening wear. Think of a flowing gown in this color, which would exude sophistication and grace. It is also suitable for accessories such as handbags or scarves, adding a pop of color to a neutral outfit. When paired with metallic accents like silver or gold, ultramarine elevates the design to new heights. It's a color that works well for both structured and draped silhouettes, offering versatility in garment design. This color is very popular in modern and contemporary fashion designs.