Prussian Blue
General Information about Prussian Blue
Prussian Blue, represented by the hex code #073456, is a deep, rich shade of blue with historical significance. It was first synthesized in the early 18th century and quickly became a popular pigment due to its stability, intensity, and relative inexpensiveness. Chemically, it's a complex iron cyanide compound. Its name originates from its association with Prussia, where it was widely used in military uniforms and other applications. The color is known for its strong tinting strength and is often used in paints, inks, and dyes. In art, Prussian Blue has been used by famous painters throughout history, offering a dark, intense blue tone that's both versatile and visually striking. Its unique hue makes it distinct from other blues, and its chemical properties contribute to its longevity and resistance to fading. Prussian Blue can be found in a variety of applications, including printing, textiles, and even certain medical treatments.
The hex color #073456, also known as Prussian Blue, presents some accessibility challenges, especially when used as a background color for text. Due to its low lightness value, it requires very light text to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Using #073456 as a background necessitates a foreground color like white (#FFFFFF) or a very light shade of gray to meet these contrast requirements. When using this color for interactive elements like buttons or links, ensure that hover and focus states also maintain adequate contrast. Consider adding a subtle border or shadow to improve visual distinction. For users with visual impairments, insufficient contrast can make content difficult or impossible to read. Tools like contrast checkers can help determine if color combinations meet accessibility standards. Avoid pairing #073456 with dark or muted colors as text, as this will invariably fail accessibility tests.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
Prussian Blue's depth and richness make it ideal for creating a sophisticated and professional look in web design. It can be effectively used for website headers, navigation bars, and call-to-action buttons. Its calming effect makes it suitable for websites related to finance, education, or healthcare, where trust and reliability are crucial. Ensure sufficient contrast with text and other elements to maintain readability and accessibility. It evokes feelings of stability and confidence, making it suitable for corporate branding.
Interior Design & Fashion
In interior design, Prussian Blue can serve as an accent color to bring a touch of elegance to a room. It pairs well with neutral colors like white, gray, and beige, as well as natural materials like wood and stone. It can be used for painting walls, upholstery, or decorative accessories such as cushions and curtains. In fashion, this color exudes a sense of luxury and sophistication, perfect for evening gowns or tailored suits.
Data Visualizations
Prussian Blue provides a dark base for data visualization. You can use lighter shades of blue to help highlight key pieces of information. The Prussian Blue can act as the background, while other shades of blues, yellows, or whites can serve as the highlight.