Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #070E94, is a deep and intense shade of blue. Historically, ultramarine pigment was derived from lapis lazuli, a rare and expensive gemstone, making it a highly prized color in art. The name "ultramarine" literally means "beyond the sea," referring to its origin from across the sea from Europe. In color psychology, ultramarine is often associated with royalty, wisdom, and spirituality. It evokes feelings of calmness, depth, and sophistication. The color is frequently used to represent trust, loyalty, and intelligence. Its usage ranges across various applications, from artistic paintings and digital designs to branding and fashion, where its rich and captivating hue adds a touch of elegance and depth. Ultramarine remains a versatile and timeless color that continues to inspire and influence creative endeavors across different domains.
The color #070E94, a deep ultramarine, presents several accessibility considerations for web developers. Its high darkness level results in a low contrast ratio against standard white backgrounds, making text potentially difficult to read for users with visual impairments. To ensure inclusivity, it is crucial to use a light color for text or interface elements placed on an ultramarine background. Adhering to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) contrast requirements is highly recommended. For instance, large text (18pt or 14pt bold) requires a contrast ratio of at least 3:1, while standard text needs a contrast ratio of 4.5:1. Employing contrast checking tools during the design phase can help designers and developers identify and rectify potential accessibility issues, ensuring a more accessible and user-friendly experience for all users, including those with low vision or color blindness. Consider using alternative color combinations to improve readability, such as pairing it with a bright yellow or light cyan.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast against white backgrounds, improving readability while maintaining a similar aesthetic feel to ultramarine.
A more vibrant and saturated blue that can be used to draw attention to key elements on a webpage, offering a brighter alternative to the deeper ultramarine.
A darker shade of blue, almost navy like color, that provides a higher contrast for text elements.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, ultramarine can be used for navigation bars, headers, or as an accent color to create a sophisticated and professional look. Due to its depth, it's best used sparingly to avoid overwhelming the user. It pairs well with lighter, neutral colors to create a balanced visual hierarchy. Ultramarine can be used to represent trust, reliability, and stability which are great for a corporate website.
Beauty/Cosmetics
In the beauty industry, ultramarine pigments are often used in eyeshadows, eyeliners, and mascaras to create a bold and dramatic eye look. Its intense color provides a striking contrast against various skin tones, making it a popular choice for evening wear or special occasions. Ultramarine adds depth and definition to the eyes, enhancing their natural beauty.
Interior Design
In interior design, ultramarine can be used to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to a room. It works well as an accent wall color or in furniture pieces to create a focal point. Ultramarine pairs well with gold or silver accents, as well as with neutral colors like white or gray. It is suitable for creating an atmosphere of relaxation, trust and peace, and is best used in areas of the home like bathrooms or bedrooms.