Aztec
General Information about #08201A (Aztec)
The hex color code #08201A, often referred to as 'Aztec', is a dark, muted shade of green. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 3.14% red, 12.55% green, and 10.2% blue. Represented in the HSL (hue, saturation, lightness) system, its values are approximately 162 degrees for hue, 60% for saturation, and 8% for lightness. This indicates a color leaning towards the green spectrum with a significant reduction in brightness, making it a very dark tone. Colors similar to #08201A are often associated with nature, earth, and tranquility, though its darkness requires careful application in design to ensure readability and visual appeal. It belongs to the dark green color family.
The color #08201A, also known as Aztec, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its extremely low luminance value (very dark) results in poor contrast against nearly all background colors, including white. This makes it difficult for users with visual impairments, such as those with low vision or color blindness, to perceive text or interface elements rendered in this color. To ensure accessibility, it's crucial to avoid using #08201A for text or interactive elements unless paired with a very light background color that provides a contrast ratio meeting WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text is recommended. Using color contrast analyzers can help determine if the color combination is accessible. If sufficient contrast cannot be achieved, consider using a lighter shade or a completely different color palette.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #1a332e
A slightly lighter shade of green that provides better contrast while still maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #333333
A dark gray that can be used as a neutral alternative, offering improved readability against light backgrounds.
- #26463f
This alternative has the same hue but is lighter and will make the content more readable.
Applications
Web Design Accent
In web design, Aztec (#08201A) can be employed sparingly as an accent color for backgrounds or borders to evoke a sense of nature or earthiness. Due to its darkness, it should not be used for text or interactive elements without ensuring sufficient contrast. This color can also be utilized in data visualizations to represent the lowest values in a dataset, provided that adjacent colors are significantly lighter to maintain visual clarity. When using it in combination with brighter hues, it creates a balanced and sophisticated composition. Careful consideration is always needed to make sure the design is accessible for all users.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, #08201A can serve as a grounding color in a room. Use it for elements like accent walls, furniture upholstery, or decorative items to introduce a natural and calming effect. It pairs well with lighter, earthy tones like beige, cream, and light browns. When combined with metallic accents like gold or copper, it can create a luxurious and sophisticated atmosphere. This shade is suitable for creating a relaxing and inviting space, especially when complemented with natural materials such as wood and stone. Always balance the dark shade with proper lightning.
Fashion
In fashion, Aztec (#08201A) can be an excellent choice for creating sophisticated and understated looks. It can be used for clothing items such as jackets, skirts, or trousers, particularly in materials like velvet, corduroy, or leather. This color can also be incorporated into accessories like belts, bags, or shoes to add a touch of elegance and depth to an outfit. When paired with neutral tones like gray, white, or beige, it creates a versatile and timeless look. Accessorizing with gold or silver jewelry can enhance the sophistication of the outfit. This color is an excellent alternative to black.