Ultramarine
General Information About Ultramarine
The color #0A0A8E, also known as Ultramarine, is a deep, intense shade of blue that evokes feelings of sophistication, depth, and tranquility. It belongs to the blue color family and is characterized by its rich, almost regal appearance. Ultramarine has historical significance, derived from the precious pigment made by grinding lapis lazuli, a rare and expensive stone. Due to its rarity and cost, ultramarine was highly valued by artists throughout history, often reserved for depicting important figures like the Virgin Mary in religious paintings. Today, synthetic versions of ultramarine are widely available, making it accessible for various applications, from art and design to fashion and cosmetics. Its strong, vibrant hue makes it a popular choice for creating striking visual effects and adding a touch of elegance to any project.
The hex color #0A0A8E, also known as Ultramarine, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly in web design. Due to its dark hue, it requires careful consideration of color contrast to ensure readability for all users, including those with visual impairments. When using this color for text, a light background is essential to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for contrast ratios. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. In cases where #0A0A8E is used for interactive elements like buttons or links, sufficient contrast is crucial to help users easily identify and interact with these elements. When designing with this color it's essential to test the contrast with accessibility tools and consider providing alternative color schemes to accommodate users with different visual needs. Also, ensure that any information conveyed by color is also available through other means, such as text labels or icons.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4169e1
A lighter shade of blue, it offers better contrast against dark backgrounds, enhancing readability.
- #1e90ff
A more vibrant blue, it can be used to create a visually appealing and accessible design.
- #6495ed
A lighter blue can improve readability against dark text and backgrounds, enhancing the overall user experience.
Applications
Web Design
Ultramarine, with its deep and rich tone, can be effectively employed in website headers and footers to establish a sense of sophistication and professionalism. Its dark shade works well as a background color for showcasing light-colored text or navigational elements, ensuring clarity and visual appeal. In user interface design, it can highlight primary action buttons or key interactive components, guiding the user's attention and improving the overall usability of the site. Furthermore, it can be integrated into data visualizations, such as charts and graphs, to differentiate datasets and enhance the presentation of information, adding depth and a polished look to digital interfaces.
Beauty and Cosmetics
Ultramarine's majestic hue can be used in eye shadow palettes to create dramatic, smoky eye looks or as a bold eyeliner to add a pop of color. In nail polish, it offers a sophisticated alternative to classic navy, providing a chic and modern touch. For hair color, ultramarine can be incorporated into dark hair to add subtle, cool-toned highlights or used as a base for creating vibrant, fantasy-inspired looks. Its versatile nature makes it suitable for various beauty applications, allowing for both subtle enhancements and statement-making styles, depending on the desired effect.
Fashion Design
In fashion, ultramarine can be utilized in evening gowns or statement pieces to exude elegance and confidence. As an accent color, it can be incorporated into accessories such as scarves, handbags, or shoes to add a touch of sophistication to any outfit. Ultramarine also works well in patterned fabrics, offering depth and richness to textile designs. From high-end couture to everyday wear, ultramarine is a versatile shade that can elevate any wardrobe, making it suitable for a wide range of styles and occasions. When paired with neutral colors like white, black, or gray, it creates a striking contrast.