Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
The hex color #0C0494, also known as Ultramarine, is a deep, rich shade of blue. It resides within the blue color family and is characterized by its strong saturation and relatively low luminance. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 4.71% red, 1.57% green, and 58.04% blue. In the CMYK color model, which is used for printing, it consists of 92% cyan, 97% magenta, 0% yellow, and 42% black. Ultramarine's historical significance stems from its origin as a pigment derived from the precious stone lapis lazuli, making it highly valued in art and decoration. Its name literally means 'beyond the sea', reflecting its importation to Europe from mines in Asia.
The hex color #0C0494, a deep ultramarine, presents accessibility challenges, especially in text-based contexts. Its low luminance value of 2 means it offers insufficient contrast against similarly dark backgrounds, making content illegible for users, particularly those with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. This color falls significantly short, necessitating careful consideration of foreground colors. Light shades of yellow, white, or other high luminance colors are crucial to ensure readability. When using #0C0494 for interactive elements, ensure sufficient visual cues beyond color alone are present to meet WCAG 2.1 success criteria.
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Digital Color Formats
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Applications
Web Design Accent
Ultramarine (#0C0494) can serve as a powerful accent color in web design, particularly for highlighting calls to action or key navigation elements. Its deep hue creates a sense of sophistication and trust, making it suitable for financial or educational websites. When paired with lighter, contrasting colors, it can establish a visually appealing and user-friendly interface. However, use should be moderated to avoid overwhelming the user experience.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, #0C0494 can evoke feelings of calmness and depth, making it ideal for creating a serene atmosphere in bedrooms or studies. It can be used as a wall color in combination with neutral furniture or as an accent color in decorative pillows and artwork. The color works particularly well in rooms with ample natural light, where its richness can be fully appreciated without making the space feel too dark or enclosed.
Beauty Products
Ultramarine is a versatile color that is often used in beauty products for creating strong eyeliner designs or nail polish. It is also used to add color to hair dye. Its deep color helps add definition to an esthetic.