Ultramarine
About Ultramarine (#0C118C)
The hex color #0c118c, commonly known as Ultramarine, is a deep and rich shade of blue, evoking feelings of depth, mystery, and sophistication. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 4.71% red, 6.67% green, and 54.9% blue. The color's significant blue component gives it a strong association with the sea and sky, often symbolizing tranquility, stability, and wisdom. Historically, Ultramarine was derived from the precious mineral lapis lazuli, making it a highly valued pigment, particularly during the Renaissance. Its rarity and cost contributed to its association with royalty and spirituality. Today, synthetic versions of Ultramarine are widely available, making it accessible for various applications in art, design, and fashion. In color psychology, Ultramarine is often linked to intelligence, trust, and efficiency. It is a popular choice for branding and marketing materials, particularly for companies that wish to convey a sense of professionalism and reliability.
The hex color #0c118c, also known as Ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its extremely low luminance value of approximately 1% means that text rendered in this color against a white background will have a very poor contrast ratio. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is required for normal text and 3:1 for large text to meet AA compliance. Ultramarine falls far short of these benchmarks. Using this color for essential textual information without careful consideration of contrast can exclude a substantial portion of users. When using this color, ensure that foreground elements have a sufficiently high contrast ratio to meet accessibility standards. This might involve using a very light color, such as white or a light yellow, for text or interactive elements placed against an Ultramarine background. Furthermore, avoid relying solely on color to convey meaning, as users with color vision deficiencies may struggle to distinguish Ultramarine from other dark shades.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design Accent Color
Ultramarine can be used as an accent color in website designs, particularly for headers, footers, or sidebars, to add depth and sophistication. It pairs well with lighter neutrals, such as whites, creams, and grays, to create a balanced and visually appealing layout. Because of accessibility concerns, avoid using #0C118C for primary text. Instead, use the color for decorative elements or interactive components, ensuring adequate contrast with foreground elements. Additionally, consider providing alternative color schemes for users with visual impairments or color vision deficiencies to ensure an inclusive user experience. In e-commerce, Ultramarine might highlight key call-to-action buttons, drawing attention to important purchasing decisions. It can also be used for progress bars or loading animations, adding a touch of elegance to otherwise functional elements. Furthermore, consider using it to highlight specific information to the user.
Fashion and Interior Design
Ultramarine, with its deep and rich tone, can be incorporated into fashion designs to create a sense of luxury and sophistication. It can be used for evening gowns, formal wear, or statement pieces. The color pairs well with metallic accents, such as gold or silver, to enhance its opulent feel. Consider using Ultramarine in accessories like scarves, handbags, or jewelry to add a pop of color to an outfit. In interior design, Ultramarine can be used as an accent color for walls, furniture, or decor items. It creates a calming and serene atmosphere, making it suitable for bedrooms, living rooms, or home offices. It pairs well with natural materials like wood and stone, creating a harmonious and inviting space. Avoid using it excessively in small spaces, as it can make the area feel confined.
Digital Art Color
Ultramarine can be used in digital art to convey mystery, depth, or the unknown. It can be used as a primary color or as an accent color. When used as a primary color, Ultramarine is very dark and will need highlights from much lighter colors. When using it as an accent color, it is important to consider its accessibility constraints. Use Ultramarine carefully and with a high degree of contrast from other elements within the artwork.