Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #0B0794, is a deep and intense shade of blue. Historically, ultramarine was a pigment derived from the semi-precious stone lapis lazuli, making it one of the most expensive and highly prized colors. Its name literally means 'beyond the sea,' reflecting its origin from stones imported into Europe from far-off lands. Today, synthetic ultramarine is widely available, offering the same vibrant hue at a more accessible price. In color psychology, ultramarine is often associated with feelings of trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven. It's a color that conveys a sense of stability and authority, often used by corporations seeking to project a reliable image. The color's intensity can also evoke a sense of depth and mystery, making it a compelling choice for various creative applications.
The hex color #0B0794, also known as Ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in text-based contexts. Its low luminance value of 4 places it firmly in the category of dark colors, requiring careful consideration of contrast ratios. When used as a background color, it necessitates very light text to ensure readability. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal-sized text and 3:1 for larger text, according to WCAG guidelines. Tools like contrast checkers can help determine if the chosen text color meets these standards. This deep, saturated blue may also pose issues for users with visual impairments or color blindness, potentially hindering their ability to distinguish elements on the screen if not paired with sufficiently contrasting colors. Therefore, thoughtful implementation is essential to avoid excluding users and ensure inclusive design.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Design for Finance
Ultramarine (#0B0794) can be used to evoke a sense of trust and stability in website design, particularly for financial institutions or security companies. The deep, rich blue creates a feeling of professionalism and reliability. It can be used for headers, navigation bars, or as an accent color to draw attention to important information. However, it should be balanced with lighter colors to prevent the design from feeling too heavy or somber. Use in combination with white or light grey to ensure readability and a clean user experience. It can also be effective when creating a dark mode design to offer a high contrast experience.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, Ultramarine (#0B0794) can serve as a bold accent color in a room, adding depth and sophistication. It's particularly well-suited for feature walls or statement furniture pieces, creating a focal point that draws the eye. When used in bedrooms, ultramarine can promote relaxation and tranquility. To balance the intensity of the color, it is best paired with neutral shades such as grey, beige, or white. The use of metallic accents such as gold or silver can also complement this color, adding a touch of luxury to the overall space. It's important to use this color sparingly to avoid overwhelming the space.
Fashion Design
Ultramarine is a striking color choice in fashion, lending a sense of depth and sophistication to garments. As a bold, saturated hue, it works well for statement pieces like evening gowns, tailored suits, or winter coats, creating an eye-catching and memorable look. Ultramarine can also be utilized in accessories such as scarves, handbags, or shoes to add a pop of color to a more neutral outfit. When paired with complementary colors like gold or mustard yellow, it creates a vibrant and harmonious contrast. For a more subdued approach, combining ultramarine with black, white, or gray allows the rich blue to stand out without being overwhelming.