Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
The color #090791, known as Ultramarine, is a deep, saturated blue hue. It is located in the blue region of the color spectrum and possesses a rich, almost royal quality. Ultramarine is derived from the pigment lapis lazuli, a semi-precious stone that was originally imported from Asia. This pigment was highly valued for its intense color and was historically used in paintings, particularly in Renaissance art, to depict the robes of the Virgin Mary. Nowadays, synthetic ultramarine pigments provide a more accessible and affordable alternative, but the name continues to evoke a sense of luxury and artistry. Ultramarine is often associated with depth, stability, and knowledge.
The color #090791, a deep ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its low luminance of 1.56 cd/m² results in very poor contrast against standard white backgrounds, failing WCAG AA and AAA standards for normal and large text, as well as graphics and user interface components. Foreground text using this color should be avoided unless paired with a very light background to ensure readability. A lighter tint of the color or a contrasting color should be considered for essential UI elements and text. Tools like contrast checkers are crucial when using this color to ensure compliance with accessibility guidelines. Users with low vision might struggle to distinguish elements using this color from a dark background, highlighting the importance of sufficient contrast.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
Ultramarine, with its depth and sophistication, can be effectively used in website headers and footers to create a sense of professionalism and stability. It works well as a background color for sections containing key information or calls to action. In UI design, ultramarine can be used sparingly for accents, such as button highlights or progress bars, to draw attention without overwhelming the user. However, due to its low luminance, it is crucial to ensure sufficient contrast with text and other elements for accessibility. Combining it with lighter shades of blue or complementary colors can create a visually appealing and user-friendly interface.
Interior Design
In interior design, ultramarine can be employed to create a sophisticated and calming atmosphere in bedrooms or studies. It pairs well with neutral tones like beige, gray, and white, as well as natural materials such as wood and stone. Consider using it for accent walls, upholstery, or decorative accessories to add depth and visual interest to a space. Because ultramarine can make a room feel smaller, it's best used in well-lit areas or combined with lighter colors to balance the overall effect. Metalic colors can also enhance the richness of ultramarine walls.
Beauty
In the beauty industry, ultramarine is a bold color that can create striking looks. Use it in eye shadows for dramatic smokey eyes, or as eyeliner for a pop of color. Nail polish in ultramarine shades can add a touch of sophistication to any outfit. When using ultramarine in makeup, consider balancing it with neutral tones to avoid overwhelming the face. For darker skin tones, ultramarine can be particularly flattering, enhancing natural warmth. For lighter skin tones, proceed with caution to avoid a harsh look, blending colors appropriately.