Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #060B92, is a deep and intense shade of blue. Historically, the name "Ultramarine" originates from the Latin "ultramarinus," meaning "beyond the sea," as the pigment was originally derived from lapis lazuli imported from distant lands. Chemically, ultramarine is a complex sodium aluminosilicate containing sulfur, giving it its distinctive blue hue. In the RGB color model, #060B92 is composed of 2.4% red, 4.3% green, and 57.3% blue. This color is often associated with qualities such as depth, stability, and intelligence. Due to its rich and saturated nature, ultramarine is widely used in various applications, ranging from art and design to branding and marketing.
The hex color #060B92, also known as Ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in web design. Its extremely dark hue results in very low contrast against standard light backgrounds, such as white (#FFFFFF). This poses a major problem for users with visual impairments, including those with low vision or color blindness, as they may struggle to distinguish text or interface elements rendered in this color. To ensure inclusivity, it is crucial to pair #060B92 with very light colors, ideally whites or near-whites, to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) contrast ratio requirements. Furthermore, avoid using this color for critical interactive elements or conveying important information solely through color, as this excludes users who cannot perceive the difference. Providing alternative visual cues, such as icons or text labels, is essential when using #060B92.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4169e1
A lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast against white backgrounds while retaining a similar aesthetic.
- #4682b4
A more muted blue that offers improved readability and accessibility compared to the intense Ultramarine.
- #1e90ff
A vibrant color similar to Ultramarine, but with more luminosity.
Applications
Corporate Branding
Ultramarine, with its intense and profound hue, finds application in branding strategies aiming to convey reliability, trustworthiness, and depth. Companies in the finance, technology, or healthcare sectors might leverage this color to evoke a sense of security and expertise. The color can be incorporated into logos, website designs, and marketing materials to establish a strong and lasting brand identity. The specific dark shade requires careful use to ensure legibility, so think about using it in backgrounds combined with white text.
Web Design Accents
In web design, Ultramarine can be utilized strategically to create visually striking accents and highlight key elements. It can serve as a background color for headers or footers, a hover state for buttons, or a color for progress bars, drawing the user's attention to important sections of the page. However, it's essential to use it sparingly and balance it with lighter colors to avoid overwhelming the user and ensure readability. Text using this color should only be used in combination with light backgrounds.
Fashion Design
In the realm of fashion, Ultramarine brings a sense of sophistication and elegance. It can be used in evening wear, formal attire, or as an accent color in accessories like scarves or handbags. When paired with complementary colors like gold or silver, it creates a luxurious and eye-catching ensemble. The versatility of Ultramarine allows it to be incorporated into various styles, from classic and timeless to modern and edgy. As a full outfit however, it can be very intense.