Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #080497, is a deep blue pigment originally derived from the precious mineral lapis lazuli. This explains its historical significance and association with royalty and high status. Chemically, it is a complex sodium aluminum silicate with sulfur, giving it its distinctive blue hue. In the RGB color model, it consists of 3.14% red, 1.57% green, and 59.22% blue. Due to its rich and intense color, Ultramarine has been widely used throughout history in various forms of art, including paintings and illuminated manuscripts. Today, synthetic versions of Ultramarine are readily available, making it a more accessible and affordable pigment for artists and designers.
The hex color #080497, also known as Ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, primarily due to its very dark nature. When used as a background color, it necessitates extremely light text to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Ultramarine falls short with most standard text colors like black or even dark grays. Therefore, using this color requires careful consideration of foreground text colors. White or very light shades of yellow or other high-contrast colors are essential to meet accessibility requirements. Tools like contrast checkers can help designers verify compliance. Moreover, relying solely on color to convey information should be avoided; supplementary cues like text labels or icons are necessary for users with color vision deficiencies.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade of blue provides better contrast for text.
A more vibrant blue offers a different aesthetic while maintaining some of the original's intensity.
Oxford Blue is close in color and could serve as a suitable alternative if you want to stay within a similar color scheme.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Ultramarine can serve as a sophisticated background for headers or call-to-action buttons, provided that the text is carefully chosen to ensure readability. It can also be incorporated into website logos or brand elements to convey trust and authority. However, its use should be balanced with lighter, more neutral colors to prevent the overall design from feeling too heavy or overwhelming. Furthermore, consider its emotional impact; Ultramarine often evokes feelings of calmness and stability.
Fashion
In fashion, Ultramarine can be used as a bold statement color for evening wear or accessories. Its deep, rich hue complements a variety of skin tones and can add a touch of elegance to any outfit. When incorporating Ultramarine into your wardrobe, consider pairing it with neutral colors like beige, gray, or white to create a balanced and sophisticated look. Accessorizing with gold or silver accents can further enhance its luxurious appeal. Additionally, explore using Ultramarine in textured fabrics like velvet or silk to enhance its depth and richness.
Interior Design
Within the realm of interior design, ultramarine serves as an excellent accent color. Consider incorporating it into throw pillows, artwork, or a feature wall to introduce depth and sophistication to a space. When employed judiciously, it has the capacity to establish a serene and refined ambiance. For optimal results, pair it with neutral hues such as gray, white, or beige to strike a harmonious balance. Furthermore, explore integrating ultramarine into luxurious materials like velvet or silk to amplify its inherent opulence. Thoughtful utilization of this hue can elevate the aesthetic appeal of any interior.