Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine (#0A0CAA)
The hex color #0A0CAA, commonly known as Ultramarine, is a deep and vivid shade of blue. It belongs to the blue color family and is characterized by its rich, saturated hue. In the RGB color model, #0A0CAA consists of 3.92% red, 3.92% green, and 80% blue. This high proportion of blue gives it its distinctive appearance. Historically, Ultramarine was derived from the precious stone lapis lazuli, making it a highly valued pigment in art. Today, it is synthetically produced, making it more accessible. In color psychology, blue is often associated with trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth and heaven. It is a popular color choice for brands that want to convey stability and reliability.
The hex color #0A0CAA, also known as Ultramarine, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When used as a background color, it necessitates very light text (white or near-white) to ensure sufficient contrast for readability, adhering to WCAG guidelines. Smaller text sizes may be particularly problematic and require careful consideration. If used for interactive elements like buttons or links, ensure that hover and focus states provide clear visual differentiation to aid users with visual impairments or those relying on keyboard navigation. Implementing sufficient color contrast is vital for users with low vision or color blindness. Use color contrast checkers to verify that the chosen text and background color combinations meet accessibility standards. Proper use of ARIA attributes can also enhance accessibility for screen reader users, especially when dealing with complex interface elements colored with #0A0CAA.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade of blue, #4682B4 (SteelBlue), offers better contrast with dark text and provides a more calming aesthetic.
A deeper, more saturated blue, #000080 (Navy), provides a strong visual presence and can be used to create a sense of authority and importance.
For a more muted and sophisticated look, consider #6A5ACD (SlateBlue), which blends blue with subtle hints of gray.
Applications
Web Design Accent
In web design, Ultramarine (#0A0CAA) can be effectively used for headers, navigation bars, and call-to-action buttons to draw the user's attention. Its vibrant nature can create a sense of sophistication and professionalism. However, it's important to use it sparingly as an accent color, rather than an overwhelming background, due to its intensity and potential contrast issues with text. When using it in buttons or links, make sure the hover state and focus state uses a lighter blue to ensure visibility for all users.
Fashion Statement
In fashion, Ultramarine can be used for statement pieces such as dresses, suits, or accessories. Its boldness makes it ideal for creating a confident and striking look. When combined with neutral colors like white, black, or gray, it creates a sense of balance and elegance. It can also be used for makeup applications like eyeshadow, or nail polish.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Ultramarine can be used to add a pop of color to a neutral room. It's suitable for accent walls, throw pillows, or decorative accessories. Its calming yet vibrant presence can create a soothing and inviting atmosphere. Combining it with lighter blues or whites can soften its intensity, while pairing it with metallic accents like gold or silver can enhance its luxurious feel. Be aware that dark rooms may appear even darker with this color.