Ultramarine
About Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hex code #060692, is a deep, intense blue color reminiscent of the pigment derived from lapis lazuli. Historically, ultramarine was highly prized and expensive, used in fine art, particularly during the Renaissance. Its rich hue comes from the presence of the mineral lazurite. In the RGB color model, #060692 is composed of 2.4% red, 2.4% green, and 57.3% blue. The CMYK breakdown is 96% cyan, 96% magenta, 0% yellow, and 43% black. This color is generally perceived as calming, sophisticated, and evokes feelings of depth and stability. Ultramarine blue continues to be used across various industries, including design, fashion, and art, to create striking visual impacts.
The hex color #060692, a deep ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its very low luminance value (extremely dark) means that text rendered in this color against a white background, or vice versa, will likely fail WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) contrast ratio requirements. To ensure readability and usability, it's imperative to pair #060692 with very light colors. When using this color, careful consideration must be given to text sizes; larger text sizes benefit from increased legibility. Always test color combinations using accessibility checkers to confirm conformance. Insufficient contrast can exclude users with visual impairments, including those with low vision or color blindness. Providing alternative high-contrast themes is a recommended practice for inclusive design when this color is a primary branding element.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, ultramarine can be used sparingly for accent elements or backgrounds of entire sections, especially if a nautical or sophisticated theme is desired. Given its darkness, it should be paired with very light text (white or off-white) to ensure readability. Using it for interactive elements like buttons or links requires careful consideration of hover and active states to maintain sufficient contrast. It would work well in a website design about sea adventures or for high tech company websites.
Interior Design
In interior design, ultramarine can be a bold choice for accent walls or furniture pieces. It evokes a sense of depth and luxury. To balance its intensity, it pairs well with lighter neutrals like creams, grays, and whites. Metallic accents like gold or silver can enhance its richness. It is best suited for rooms with ample natural light to prevent the space from feeling too dark or enclosed. Consider using it in living rooms or bedrooms to create a statement.
Fashion
Ultramarine can be used in fashion for evening wear or formal attire, often in velvet or silk fabrics to enhance its depth. It's a popular choice for suits, dresses, and accessories like ties or scarves. Combining ultramarine with metallic or iridescent fabrics adds to the luxurious feel. For a more casual look, it can be paired with denim or lighter blues. This color is best suited for individuals with cool undertones. It is a striking color with unique features.