Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #090EAB, is a deep, vibrant shade of blue. It derives its name from the Latin 'ultramarinus', meaning 'beyond the sea', as the pigment was originally imported from faraway lands, particularly from lapis lazuli, a semi-precious stone mined in Afghanistan. This color has historically been highly prized, often associated with royalty and religious figures due to its expense and striking appearance. In the RGB color model, #090EAB consists of 3.53% red, 5.49% green, and 67.06% blue. Its high blue component gives it its intense and captivating hue. Ultramarine finds application in various fields, ranging from art and design to fashion and branding, conveying a sense of sophistication and elegance.
The hex color #090EAB, Ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its low luminance value of 0.01 makes it difficult to read text against a white background, failing WCAG's AA and AAA compliance for both normal and large text sizes. A contrast ratio of 2.12:1 against white falls far short of the recommended 4.5:1 for AA and 7:1 for AAA. To improve accessibility, consider using a much lighter background color, such as a light yellow or off-white. Alternatively, employing this color for purely decorative elements, where text contrast is not a factor, can also sidestep accessibility concerns. For text, a lighter shade of blue or a contrasting color like yellow or orange would greatly improve readability and user experience.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A lighter shade of blue that maintains a similar aesthetic while improving readability.
A more saturated blue that provides better contrast against light backgrounds.
A pale blue, which is softer and more muted, making it suitable for backgrounds and large areas of color where you don't need high contrast but still want a blue hue.
Applications
Web Design Accent
Ultramarine (#090EAB) can serve as an accent color in web design, adding depth and sophistication to a layout. It's particularly effective when used sparingly for interactive elements like buttons or links, drawing the user's eye and creating a sense of importance. Furthermore, this hue can be utilized to highlight key information or to establish a visual hierarchy on the page. In data visualization, ultramarine can represent a specific category or data set, providing a clear and visually appealing way to present complex information.
Fashion Statement
In the realm of fashion, Ultramarine offers a bold statement for garments and accessories. A dress in this color commands attention at formal events, exuding confidence and style. Accessories like scarves or handbags in ultramarine can inject a pop of color into a more neutral outfit, creating a striking visual contrast. Ultramarine is particularly suited for evening wear, where its deep hue resonates with elegance and sophistication.
Interior Design Accent
Ultramarine can introduce a sense of tranquility and depth to interior spaces. It works well as an accent wall color in bedrooms or living rooms, creating a calming atmosphere. Furniture pieces in ultramarine, such as sofas or armchairs, can serve as focal points in a room, adding a touch of luxury. Paired with lighter colors like white or beige, ultramarine creates a balanced and harmonious aesthetic.