Cobalt
General Information about Cobalt
The hex color #0A4AC0 represents a specific shade of cobalt blue. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 10 red, 74 green, and 192 blue. Converting to other color spaces, it has values of 95% blue, 94% saturation and 39% lightness. Cobalt blue is known for its rich, deep tone, reminiscent of the pigment originally derived from cobalt salts. Its name is derived from the German word 'kobold', meaning 'goblin', as miners historically considered cobalt ore a nuisance. This hue is widely used across various applications, ranging from digital design and web development to fine arts and fashion. Cobalt blue conveys feelings of stability, trust, and serenity. The color has a wavelength between 460 and 480 nm.
The hex color #0A4AC0, a deep cobalt blue, presents several accessibility considerations for web developers. Its relatively low luminance necessitates careful attention to contrast ratios. When used as a text color, it requires a light background to meet WCAG guidelines for readability, specifically a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Conversely, as a background color, it demands light-colored text to ensure sufficient contrast. Developers should avoid pairing it with similar dark hues or colors that clash, as this can strain visual perception and reduce readability, especially for users with visual impairments. Tools are available to check contrast ratios and simulate color blindness to ensure content is accessible to a broader audience. Proper use of ARIA attributes can further enhance accessibility by providing additional context for assistive technologies.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Financial Dashboard Design
Cobalt blue is often used in financial dashboards to represent stability and trust. Its deep hue creates a sense of importance and data can be highlighted effectively against it. Graphs and charts are presented with clarity and the color scheme evokes confidence in the analysis. By using variations and gradients of cobalt, one can achieve an intuitive user experience.
Fashion Design Accent
In fashion, #0A4AC0 can be used as an accent color in clothing or accessories. Its richness adds a touch of elegance and sophistication, and it works well when paired with neutral colors like grey, beige or white. Cobalt blue is appropriate for both casual and formal occasions. A dress with this color projects a strong yet calming image.
User Interface elements
Cobalt blue is used to bring a feeling of calm and depth to web design projects. #0A4AC0 can be applied in headers, footers or as a primary color for buttons and links to guide users. Careful use of whitespace alongside #0A4AC0, allows the color to stand out without overpowering other page elements. Using this hex value in web design improves user experience.