Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
The hex color #090CAB, also known as Ultramarine, is a deep, saturated blue. It belongs to the blue color family, evoking feelings of trust, stability, and intelligence. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 3.53% red, 4.31% green, and 72.94% blue. The corresponding CMYK color code is 95% cyan, 94% magenta, 0% yellow, and 27% black. Ultramarine's hexadecimal nature places it on the cooler side of the color spectrum, making it appropriate for designs that aim to convey calmness, professionalism, or authority. Its high blue component makes it ideal for representing themes related to water, sky, or technology. However, its darkness requires careful consideration of contrast when used in web or print design to ensure readability and accessibility.
The color #090CAB, a deep shade of ultramarine, presents considerable accessibility challenges. Its low luminance value (approximately 0.94%) results in very poor contrast against a standard white background. This significantly impacts readability for users with visual impairments, including those with low vision or color blindness. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio is far below the minimum requirement of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. To improve accessibility, consider using #090CAB primarily for decorative elements or pairing it with much lighter text colors like white (#FFFFFF) or a very light shade of gray. Avoid using it for critical information or interactive elements without careful consideration of contrast. Employing tools to check color contrast ratios is crucial in ensuring web content is perceivable and usable by everyone.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Design
Ultramarine (#090CAB) is ideal for website headers and footers, providing a sophisticated and professional look. Its depth evokes trust and stability, making it suitable for financial or corporate sites. However, ensure sufficient contrast with text by using light colors like white or pale yellow for readability. For interactive elements such as buttons, consider using a lighter shade or a contrasting color for hover states to enhance user experience. This color can also be incorporated in website illustrations and backgrounds when used sparingly to avoid overwhelming the user.
Fashion Design
In fashion, Ultramarine (#090CAB) can be used as an accent color in clothing or accessories. A navy blue dress with ultramarine accents creates a classy and sophisticated look. It can also be incorporated in scarves, handbags, or jewelry to add a pop of color. Ultramarine is often used in formal wear or professional attire because it conveys trust and confidence. When combined with lighter colors, it creates a balanced and visually appealing ensemble.
Graphic Design
Ultramarine is suitable for use in graphic design when aiming to convey feelings of trust, authority, and intelligence. It can be used in logos, brochures, and other marketing materials. It's best to pair this dark color with much lighter color palettes to create balanced designs. Using it as the main color for text should be avoided, due to accessibility issues.