Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
The hex color #0A1091, also known as Ultramarine, is a deep and rich shade of blue. It belongs to the blue color family and is characterized by its strong saturation and relatively low brightness. In the RGB color model, #0A1091 is composed of 3.92% red, 6.27% green, and 56.86% blue. This combination results in a color that evokes feelings of calmness, stability, and depth. Ultramarine has a long history, dating back to ancient times when it was derived from the mineral lapis lazuli. Due to its rarity and cost, it was highly prized and often associated with royalty and religious figures. Today, synthetic ultramarine is widely available, making it a popular choice for various applications, including art, design, and fashion. Its unique hue and historical significance continue to make it a captivating color.
The color #0A1091, a deep shade of ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in text-based applications. Its low luminance value (approximately 2%) necessitates very high contrast ratios with foreground elements to ensure readability for individuals with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is required for normal text and 3:1 for large text against background colors. To meet these standards, when using #0A1091 as a background, foreground text should ideally be white (#FFFFFF) or a very light color. Using darker foreground colors would result in insufficient contrast, making content difficult to perceive, especially for users with low vision or color blindness. Careful consideration of color contrast is essential to create inclusive and accessible web experiences.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
Ultramarine, with its rich and deep hue, finds prominent application in web design, particularly for creating a sense of sophistication and depth. It is commonly employed as a background color for headers or footers, providing a visually appealing contrast to lighter content areas. The color can also be effectively used for button backgrounds, call-to-action elements, and navigational menus, drawing the user's eye and enhancing the overall user experience. However, due to its relative darkness, it's crucial to pair it with high-contrast text colors (e.g., white or light yellow) to maintain readability and accessibility standards, ensuring that all users can easily perceive the information presented.
Fashion
In the realm of fashion, ultramarine serves as a captivating color choice for evening wear and statement pieces. Its luxurious and intense tone exudes elegance and confidence, making it an ideal selection for formal gowns, cocktail dresses, and tailored suits. Additionally, it can be incorporated as an accent color in accessories such as scarves, handbags, and jewelry, adding a touch of sophistication to any ensemble. When styling ultramarine, it's important to consider complementary colors and fabrics to create a harmonious and visually striking look. Metallics like gold and silver pair beautifully with ultramarine, enhancing its richness and depth, while flowing fabrics such as silk and velvet further accentuate its luxurious appeal.
Interior Design
In interior design, ultramarine is often utilized to create a sense of depth and tranquility. It can be used as an accent wall color in living rooms or bedrooms to add a touch of drama and sophistication. When used in smaller doses, such as in decorative pillows, artwork, or vases, it can inject a pop of color and visual interest into a space. Ultramarine pairs well with neutral colors like white, gray, and beige, as well as natural materials like wood and stone, creating a balanced and harmonious aesthetic. The use of proper lighting is crucial when incorporating ultramarine into interior spaces, as its darkness can absorb light. Consider using a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting to brighten up the room and highlight the color's beauty.