Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #071294, is a deep and intense shade of blue. Historically, ultramarine was derived from the semi-precious stone lapis lazuli, making it a highly valued pigment, especially during the Renaissance. Today, synthetic ultramarine is widely available, offering the same vibrant hue at a more accessible price. In color psychology, ultramarine is associated with trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven. It is often used in branding and design to convey stability and reliability. Ultramarine is a very cool color in the color palette. Its CMYK values are C:100 M:92 Y:0 K:42. The RGB values are R:7 G:18 B:148. The color is close to pure blue.
The color #071294, a deep shade of ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, primarily related to color contrast. When used as text against a white background, it fails to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for normal text (AA compliance). This means that users with moderate visual impairments may find it difficult to read. To improve accessibility, consider using a lighter background or increasing the font size and weight. For larger text or UI components, the contrast might be acceptable, but it's crucial to test with accessibility tools to ensure compliance. Also, avoid using this color alone to convey important information, as users with color blindness may not be able to distinguish it. Supplement color with text labels or icons. Proper implementation is key to ensure an inclusive experience for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast against white backgrounds, improving readability.
A more vibrant blue that can be used to draw attention while maintaining a degree of sophistication.
A dark grey which looks good as background in combination with Ultramarine and offers better contrast for text
Applications
Web Design Backgrounds
Ultramarine, with its depth and sophistication, is well-suited for backgrounds in web design, particularly for technology or finance-related websites. Its calming effect can instill trust and reliability in users. To avoid accessibility issues, it must be paired with contrasting text and UI elements. In branding, it can be used to convey a sense of authority and innovation. The color works very well to communicate trust. The dark shade also means that it is suitable for dark mode designs.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, ultramarine can be used as an accent color to add a touch of elegance and sophistication. It pairs well with neutral colors like white, gray, and beige, creating a balanced and harmonious space. The dark tone can be used in contrast with light colours to catch the eye. Ultramarine is suitable for spaces where a calm atmosphere is desired.
Data visualization
Ultramarine is often employed in data visualization to represent important categories or trends. Its distinct hue helps differentiate data points on charts and graphs, making complex information easier to understand. To maintain clarity, it's crucial to use contrasting colors for labels and axes. The dark hue works very well on light backgrounds and vice versa.