Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #0D0DA6, is a deep and vivid shade of blue. Historically, ultramarine was derived from the precious gemstone lapis lazuli, making it one of the most expensive and highly prized pigments used by Renaissance artists. The name "ultramarine" comes from the Latin "ultramarinus," meaning "beyond the sea," as the pigment was imported into Europe from mines in Asia. In the RGB color model, #0D0DA6 is composed of 5.1% red, 5.1% green, and 65.1% blue. This high proportion of blue gives ultramarine its characteristic intense blue hue. The color is often associated with royalty, spirituality, and depth. In modern applications, it is widely used in graphic design, web design, and the arts to evoke feelings of trust, stability, and sophistication.
The color #0D0DA6, a deep shade of ultramarine, presents several accessibility considerations for web developers. Due to its low lightness value, it's crucial to ensure sufficient contrast between text and background when using this color. A light text color, such as white or a very light gray, is recommended to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) contrast ratios. Using this color for large graphical elements or as a background for substantial content blocks may also pose challenges for users with visual impairments. Developers should test color combinations with accessibility tools to verify compliance and provide alternative styling options for users who require them. The color's darkness can be effective for creating visual depth and emphasis, but this should be balanced with accessibility needs to ensure an inclusive user experience. For users with color blindness, the color might be perceived differently; hence, relying solely on this color to convey important information is not advisable.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade of blue provides better contrast with dark text and is generally more accessible.
A more vibrant blue can be used to draw attention to specific elements while maintaining a reasonable level of accessibility.
This darker shade of blue can be used to provide a more subtle and sophisticated look and feel to a design, which still contrasting well with lighter elements.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Ultramarine can be employed to highlight key interactive elements like buttons or links, drawing the user's eye and indicating their importance. It can also create a sophisticated look for headings and titles when used with light-colored text. When applied to website navigation, it provides a clear visual cue, guiding users through the site's structure. Furthermore, the color can be used sparingly in data visualizations to represent specific data categories or trends, making complex information more digestible. However, given its intensity, it is advisable to use it judiciously, pairing it with neutral tones to maintain a balanced aesthetic and ensuring it meets accessibility standards for contrast and readability.
Interior Design
In interior design, Ultramarine can serve as an accent color in a room, adding a touch of drama and sophistication to spaces. It works well when incorporated into decorative pillows, artwork, or accent walls, providing a focal point in a room. The color pairs well with neutral colors such as gray, white, or beige, creating a balanced and visually appealing aesthetic. However, it's important to use it sparingly to avoid overwhelming the space, as its intensity can be quite dominant. Using ultramarine in smaller doses can add a pop of color and create a sense of luxury.
Fashion
Ultramarine can be used to create bold and eye-catching garments that are appropriate for formal and casual events. Ultramarine accessories are a fantastic way to bring a sense of royalty and luxury to one's outfit, especially when combined with metallic or neutral-toned outfits. This color can add a sense of mystery and power to an outfit, making it a great choice to stand out from the crowd, without being too outlandish. When used for garment design, it is essential to balance this color with neutral tones to not make the entire outfit overwhelming.