Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
The color #0A0494, also known as Ultramarine, is a deep and intense shade of blue. Historically, ultramarine was a highly prized pigment made from lapis lazuli, a rare and expensive gemstone. This color has been associated with royalty, divinity, and the sea. In modern color theory, Ultramarine is considered a cool color, evoking feelings of calmness, stability, and sophistication. Its hexadecimal code, #0A0494, indicates a very small amount of red and green, and a high amount of blue. This color is part of the blue color family and sits between blue and violet on the color wheel. Its rich and saturated nature makes it suitable for a variety of applications.
The hex color #0A0494, a deep shade of ultramarine, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When using this color for text or interactive elements, it's crucial to ensure sufficient contrast against the background. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Using a light color like white or a very pale yellow as a background color can help achieve this required contrast. Additionally, providing alternative cues besides color, such as text labels or icons, is advisable to make the content accessible to users with color vision deficiencies. Testing the color combination with accessibility tools and getting feedback from users with visual impairments can further improve the usability of designs incorporating #0A0494.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
Ultramarine, represented by #0A0494, is often used in website headers and navigation bars to create a sense of depth and professionalism. It works particularly well in the technology and finance sectors, where trust and reliability are paramount. When used sparingly, it can also add a touch of elegance to e-commerce websites, especially for products related to art, design, or luxury goods. In user interfaces, this color can be used for primary action buttons, highlighting key functions and guiding users through the intended flow. Complementary colors like light yellow or a muted orange can be used for secondary elements to maintain a balanced and visually appealing design.
Interior Design
In interior design, ultramarine can be used to create a bold accent wall in a living room or bedroom. The deep blue hue evokes feelings of tranquility and sophistication, making it suitable for creating a relaxing atmosphere. It pairs well with natural materials like wood and stone, as well as metallic accents like gold or silver. The color can also be incorporated through furniture, such as a velvet sofa or upholstered chairs, adding a touch of luxury to the space. To prevent the room from feeling too dark, it's important to balance the ultramarine with lighter neutral colors like white, beige, or light gray.
Beauty
Ultramarine eyeshadow can add depth and drama to eye looks, especially for those with fair skin or light-colored eyes. The rich blue pigment can be blended with other shades like purples and grays to create a smoky effect, or used as a liner to define the eyes. It's important to use a light hand when applying ultramarine eyeshadow, as the color can be quite intense. Pairing it with a nude lip and minimal face makeup allows the eyes to be the focal point of the look. For a more subtle effect, ultramarine eyeliner can be used to add a pop of color to the lash line.