Ultramarine

General Information about Ultramarine

Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #0A0BAA, is a deep, intense shade of blue. Historically, ultramarine was derived from the precious mineral lapis lazuli, making it a highly valued pigment, especially in Renaissance painting. Its name literally means "beyond the sea," reflecting its origin as a pigment imported to Europe from distant lands. In the RGB color model, #0A0BAA consists of 3.92% red, 4.31% green, and 66.67% blue. This composition gives it its characteristic strong blue hue. Ultramarine is often associated with qualities like depth, stability, and wisdom. Its rich and saturated nature makes it a visually striking color with a strong impact. It is a color that evokes feelings of calmness, serenity, and confidence. The color is widely used and well known.

The color #0A0BAA, a deep shade of ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in text-based applications. Its low luminance value necessitates careful consideration of contrast ratios. When used as a text color, it requires a light background to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for readability. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. This color can be effectively employed for decorative elements, such as borders or non-essential graphical details, where readability is not paramount. However, avoid using it for critical interactive elements like buttons or links without ensuring sufficient contrast. Additionally, consider users with visual impairments who may struggle to distinguish this color from darker backgrounds. Providing alternative visual cues, such as underlines or icons, can enhance accessibility. Thorough testing with accessibility evaluation tools is crucial to validate the usability of this color in any design.

Shades

Digital Color Formats

Alternative colors

Applications

• Web Design Accent

  Ultramarine (#0A0BAA) can serve as a strong accent color in web design, particularly for highlighting calls to action or important navigation elements. Its depth and richness evoke a sense of trust and authority, making it suitable for websites in the finance, education, or technology sectors. It should be used sparingly to avoid overwhelming the user, and always paired with lighter, neutral colors to ensure readability and visual balance. Consider using it for headings, icons, or button backgrounds to create a sophisticated and professional aesthetic. Furthermore, it may be applied as an overlay on images to create visually pleasing sections on the web page.

• Interior Design Accent

  In interior design, ultramarine can add a touch of sophistication and drama to a space. It works well as an accent wall color in a living room or bedroom, creating a focal point and adding depth to the room. It pairs beautifully with neutral colors like white, gray, and beige, as well as natural materials like wood and stone. It can also be used in furniture upholstery, decorative pillows, or artwork to bring a sense of luxury and elegance to the overall design. This color can make the room feel cozy and intimate when paired with warmer color tones.

• Fashion Accent

  Ultramarine, with its striking depth, makes a statement in fashion. This hue is ideal for creating eye-catching evening wear or adding a pop of color to everyday ensembles. Consider an ultramarine dress as a bold and confident choice for a special occasion. Alternatively, integrate it more subtly through accessories like scarves, handbags, or shoes to elevate a simple outfit. For a more casual look, ultramarine denim or a knitted sweater can inject personality into your wardrobe. Given its intensity, balance ultramarine with neutral tones like cream, beige, or gray to avoid overwhelming the look. The color provides richness and boldness to any fashion style.

Complementary color

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