Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #060F92, is a deep blue hue renowned for its historical significance and rich pigment. Originally derived from the precious gemstone lapis lazuli, Ultramarine has been highly valued throughout history, particularly during the Renaissance period when it was used by master painters for its exceptional brilliance and lightfastness. Due to the high cost of lapis lazuli, Ultramarine was often reserved for depicting the robes of important figures, such as the Virgin Mary, symbolizing its precious nature and importance. Today, synthetic versions of Ultramarine are readily available, making it an accessible color for various applications. It is often associated with depth, stability, and intelligence, making it a popular choice in branding, design, and art.
The color #060F92, Ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its very dark hue results in a low contrast ratio against standard white backgrounds, making text and other visual elements difficult to perceive. To ensure inclusivity, it's crucial to pair this color with lighter shades. White (#FFFFFF) or very light yellows or grays are recommended to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) AA standards for contrast. Also, avoid using #060F92 for critical interactive elements without clear visual cues or labels. Consider providing alternative high-contrast themes for users who require them. Ensuring sufficient color contrast is essential for users with low vision or color blindness to access and understand the content effectively. The perceived luminosity of this color is also very low which implies that it should be used carefully and with the user experience always kept in mind. Proper attention to these details makes digital content accessible to a wider audience.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #283593
A slightly lighter shade of blue that offers better contrast while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #1e88e5
A more vibrant blue that can be used to draw attention to specific elements.
- #546e7a
A desaturated blue-grey which is useful as a background, so that the Ultramarine elements gain prominence.
Applications
Web Design Accent
In web design, Ultramarine can be used sparingly as an accent color to highlight key interactive elements such as buttons or links. Given its depth, it is well-suited for creating a sense of sophistication and trust. However, it should be balanced with ample white space and lighter complementary colors to prevent the design from feeling heavy or overwhelming. Using it as a background color is generally discouraged due to accessibility concerns; however, when applied creatively to icons or illustrations, the Ultramarine can provide a visually appealing focal point. It's particularly effective in designs aiming to evoke feelings of stability, authority, or intelligence.
Fashion and Beauty
In the realm of fashion, Ultramarine can be used in formal wear, evoking feelings of royalty and mystery. It can be applied to blouses, dresses, or as an accent color in accessories like scarves or hats. Considering Ultramarine is such a dark color, it should be paired with brighter colors so the output is not too dark or uninteresting. Ultramarine makeup has been used to generate strong looks in magazines, commonly as eyeshadow or mascara. Due to its pigment, it should be used with caution.
Interior Design
Ultramarine can be incorporated into interior design to create accent walls, furniture pieces, or decorative elements. It is a suitable color to use in children's bedroom areas as its relaxing properties are well know. Ultramarine can be combined with gold or beige for a luxurious look, or with white and wood tones for a minimalist feel. It is important to balance the color with natural light and lighter elements to avoid a dark or gloomy atmosphere. Textile and artwork may also use this color.