Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #090596, is a deep, rich blue hue. Historically, ultramarine was a pigment derived from the precious mineral lapis lazuli, making it highly valued and reserved for use in important works of art, particularly during the Renaissance period. Its name literally means "beyond the sea," reflecting the fact that lapis lazuli had to be imported to Europe from mines in Afghanistan. Modern ultramarine is a synthetic pigment with the same chemical composition as natural ultramarine but is produced at a much lower cost. The color evokes feelings of tranquility, depth, and sophistication, often associated with the sea, sky, and royalty. In color psychology, blue is often linked to trust, loyalty, and stability, making ultramarine a popular choice for branding and design in various industries.
The color #090596, a deep ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in text-based contexts. Its low luminance value of 2 necessitates careful consideration of contrast ratios. To ensure readability, it is imperative to pair this color with light foreground colors such as white or very light shades of gray. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is required for normal text and 3:1 for large text. When used as a background, elements like buttons or links should have clear visual cues to indicate interactivity. Developers should also consider providing alternative color schemes to accommodate users with visual impairments or color blindness. Thorough testing with accessibility tools is crucial to validate the color's usability across diverse user needs and contexts.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast and readability, while still maintaining a sense of depth and sophistication.
A brighter, more vibrant blue that is easier to see and distinguish, especially for users with visual impairments.
A dark grey provides a neutral background, it enhances the perception of other colors.
Applications
Financial Institutions Website
Ultramarine, with its depth and richness, evokes feelings of trust and stability, making it ideal for financial institutions' websites. It can be used in website backgrounds, headers, and call-to-action buttons to convey professionalism and reliability. Its associations with the sea and sky also lend a sense of vastness and possibility, suitable for investment platforms aiming to inspire confidence in their users. Additionally, as a highlight color, ultramarine can guide users to important financial data points. It is critical to note, however, the need to keep accessibility in mind when using such a dark color, and to combine it with lighter accent colors and appropriate font sizes.
Ultramarine Eyeshadow
Ultramarine eyeshadow can add depth and dimension to the eyes, creating a dramatic and sophisticated look. It works well as a base color for a smoky eye or as a liner to define the lash line. The color is best paired with neutral shades such as beige, brown, or gray to balance the intensity. When applying, start with a primer to ensure the color stays in place and blends smoothly. Use a light hand and build up the color gradually to avoid a harsh or uneven look. It is important to choose high-quality eyeshadows with good pigmentation to achieve the desired effect.
Technology and Innovation web theming
Ultramarine as a theme in web development is ideal for technology and innovation companies that like to show professionalism and expertise, that also can be associated with trust. It's important to balance this theme with neutral and lighter colors to make the text elements more accessible and visible.