Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hex code #08028B, is a deep blue color with a rich history. Originally derived from the precious gemstone lapis lazuli, ultramarine pigment was highly valued and expensive, often reserved for important figures in paintings, such as the Virgin Mary. The name 'ultramarine' literally means 'beyond the sea,' reflecting the pigment's origin from stones imported into Europe from distant lands. Today, ultramarine is synthetically produced, making it more accessible. The color is known for its intense and pure blue hue. In the RGB color model, it's composed of 0.03% red, 0.01% green, and 54.51% blue. Its CMYK values are 100% cyan, 99% magenta, 0% yellow, and 69% black. Ultramarine finds applications in various fields, from art and design to cosmetics and manufacturing.
The color #08028B, also known as Ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in web design. Its extremely dark hue results in very low contrast against standard light backgrounds (like white or light gray). This severely impacts readability for users with visual impairments, including those with low vision, color blindness, or cataracts. Text rendered in this color on a light background may be virtually illegible. To ensure accessibility, it's crucial to use Ultramarine sparingly and pair it with very light colors. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular) is recommended according to WCAG guidelines. Tools like contrast checkers can help verify compliance. Consider providing alternative color schemes for users who need them.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Midnight Blue offers a similar deep blue aesthetic but provides slightly better contrast against light backgrounds due to its marginally lighter shade.
Navy Blue is another alternative that provides a classic and sophisticated blue tone while offering improved readability compared to Ultramarine.
Royal Blue is a more vibrant and lighter shade of blue, increasing readability while maintaining a regal appearance. It offers a brighter, more accessible alternative.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Ultramarine can be used for creating a sense of sophistication and depth. It is suitable for backgrounds of sections where contrast is less crucial or when paired with very light text or elements. For example, it could serve as a header background with white text or as an accent color in a minimalist design. It's best used sparingly to avoid overwhelming the user and to maintain accessibility. Consider using it for interactive elements like buttons or links, but ensure sufficient contrast upon hover or focus states.
Fashion
In the fashion industry, Ultramarine can be utilized to design elegant evening wear, sophisticated business attire, or striking accessories. The deep, rich tone evokes feelings of confidence and refinement. It is especially effective when combined with metallic accents like gold or silver, creating a luxurious and eye-catching ensemble. Designers may employ Ultramarine in silks, velvets, or other high-end fabrics to emphasize its depth and visual appeal. However, lighter blues are often preferrable to ensure the outfit is easily perceived in various lighting conditions.
Fine Arts
Ultramarine is a complex pigment with a high cost due to its historical production from lapis lazuli, a semi-precious stone. Modern ultramarine is chemically produced, lowering the cost. Because of the beauty of the color it has been used by many painters, especially during the Renaissance, for paintings of the Virgin Mary