Ultramarine

General Information about Ultramarine

Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #0C108C, is a deep, rich shade of blue. Historically, ultramarine was derived from the precious stone lapis lazuli, making it one of the most expensive pigments available during the medieval and Renaissance periods. Its name literally means "beyond the sea," referring to its origin from stones imported into Europe from Asia. Today, synthetic ultramarine is widely available, offering a more affordable alternative while retaining the color's distinctive hue. Ultramarine blue is known for its excellent lightfastness and stability, making it a popular choice for artists and designers across various mediums. Its vibrant and intense color evokes feelings of depth, mystery, and sophistication.

The color #0C108C, also known as Ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its low luminance value. When used as text, it requires careful consideration of the background color to ensure sufficient contrast. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Ultramarine's darkness necessitates a very light background to meet these standards. Using it for small text on a dark or moderately colored background would render it nearly illegible for many users, especially those with visual impairments. To improve accessibility, consider using Ultramarine sparingly and pairing it with high-contrast colors. Testing color combinations with accessibility tools is crucial to ensure usability for all users. Also, provide alternative visual cues like icons or labels to convey information instead of relying solely on color.

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Digital Color Formats

Alternative colors

Applications

• Web Design and Branding

  Ultramarine can be used as an accent color in web design to draw attention to specific elements like buttons or links. Due to its deep hue, it is best used sparingly to avoid overwhelming the user. In branding, it can evoke feelings of trust, security, and intelligence. Ultramarine works well in the financial or technological sectors, where these qualities are valued. User interfaces can benefit from its sophisticated appearance when applied to headers, navigation bars, or other key components. When implementing this color, it is crucial to consider the color contrast for accessibility to ensure readability and usability for all users.

• Interior Design

  In interior design, Ultramarine can add a touch of elegance and depth to a space. It works particularly well in rooms with ample natural light, where its richness can be fully appreciated. As a wall color, it is best suited for accent walls or smaller rooms to prevent the space from feeling too dark. It pairs beautifully with metallic accents like gold or silver, as well as natural materials like wood and stone. Ultramarine can also be used in furniture upholstery or decorative accessories such as cushions, throws, and artwork to create a sophisticated and inviting atmosphere.

• Fashion and Beauty

  Ultramarine is a popular choice in the fashion industry for creating bold and striking looks. It can be used in clothing, accessories, and even makeup to make a statement. In clothing, it can be seen in evening gowns, suits, and casual wear. When used in accessories like handbags, shoes, and scarves, it can add a pop of color to any outfit. In makeup, Ultramarine can be used in eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara to create a dramatic and captivating effect. When using this color in fashion, it is important to consider the overall look and make sure it complements the wearer's skin tone and personal style.

Complementary color

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