Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hex code #070D91, is a deep blue color historically derived from the gemstone lapis lazuli. The name "ultramarine" originates from the Latin "ultramarinus," meaning "beyond the sea," as the pigment was imported to Europe from Asia. Due to its historical rarity and vibrant hue, ultramarine was highly valued and often reserved for important figures in paintings, such as the Virgin Mary. In modern color theory, ultramarine is considered a cool color, associated with calmness, intelligence, and stability. It is extensively used in various fields, including art, design, and marketing, to convey these qualities and evoke a sense of professionalism and trust.
The color #070D91, Ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially when used as text on a white background. Its low luminance value results in very poor contrast, falling far short of WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) recommendations for both normal and large text. This can make content unreadable for users with visual impairments, including those with low vision or color blindness. To ensure accessibility, it's crucial to avoid using Ultramarine text directly on light backgrounds. If this color is essential for branding, consider using it for larger graphical elements where text is not overlaid, or pair it with a very light or white text to provide sufficient contrast. Applying text shadows or glows could also help, but careful testing with accessibility evaluation tools is necessary to confirm compliance.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4682b4
A lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast on white backgrounds, improving readability.
- #000080
A darker shade of blue that can be used effectively on light backgrounds while maintaining sufficient contrast.
- #1e90ff
A vibrant blue that provides a more energetic feel, suitable for highlighting key elements.
Applications
Website Design
Ultramarine, with its deep and rich tone, is often used in website headers and navigation bars to create a professional and trustworthy feel. Its association with stability makes it a good choice for financial institutions or corporate websites. Furthermore, using Ultramarine in buttons and calls-to-action can help guide users through a website. However, ensuring sufficient contrast with text and background elements is vital for accessibility. Due to its regal appearance, Ultramarine is commonly seen in educational institutions.
Fashion and Interior Design
Ultramarine evokes a sense of sophistication and elegance, making it a popular choice in the fashion industry. It's frequently used in evening wear, formal attire, and accessories. The color can be paired with neutrals like white, black, and gray for a classic look or combined with brighter colors for a more vibrant and modern style. In interior design, Ultramarine can be used as an accent color in bedding or decor.
Digital Art
In digital art and illustration, Ultramarine can be used to create depth and dimension in paintings. Its deep, saturated tone is ideal for representing shadows and creating contrast with lighter areas. The color is also frequently employed in character designs, providing them with a mystical or wise persona.