Ultramarine

General Information about Ultramarine

The color #0D0E8A, also known as Ultramarine, is a deep and intense shade of blue. It belongs to the blue color family and is characterized by its strong presence and depth. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 5.1% red, 5.5% green, and 54.1% blue. The name 'Ultramarine' originates from the Latin 'ultramarinus,' meaning 'beyond the sea,' as the pigment was originally imported from mines in Afghanistan by sea to Europe. Historically, Ultramarine was highly valued and expensive due to the laborious process of extracting it from lapis lazuli. Nowadays, it can be produced synthetically, making it more accessible. It's often associated with qualities such as trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven.

The hex color #0D0E8A, a deep ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in web design. Its low lightness value of approximately 4% means that text rendered in this color against a white background will have extremely poor contrast, failing WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for readability. To ensure accessibility, it's crucial to use a very light color for text or interactive elements placed on an ultramarine background. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text is recommended. Tools like contrast checkers can help verify compliance. Furthermore, avoid using this color alone to convey important information, as users with visual impairments may not be able to distinguish it effectively. Providing supplementary cues, such as icons or text labels, is essential for inclusive design.

Shades

Digital Color Formats

Alternative colors

Applications

• Website Backgrounds

  Ultramarine, with its rich and deep hue, is perfectly suited for backgrounds in website designs aiming for a sophisticated and elegant feel. Its depth can evoke feelings of trust and stability, making it a good choice for financial institutions or corporate websites. However, due to its darkness, it is vital to pair it with light-colored text and elements to ensure readability and accessibility. It can also be used as a secondary color to highlight specific sections or calls to action, drawing the user's attention without overwhelming the overall design.

• Interior Design Accent

  In the realm of interior design, ultramarine can be used to create a statement wall in a living room or bedroom. When complemented with neutral-toned furniture and accessories, the color adds depth and character to the space. Its calming nature makes it suitable for creating a relaxing atmosphere, particularly in bedrooms or reading nooks. Furthermore, it can be incorporated into smaller decorative elements like vases, cushions, or artwork to add pops of color without overpowering the room. Balance is key when using such a bold color.

• Fashion Apparel and Accessories

  In fashion, ultramarine can be used for dresses, suits, or accent pieces like scarves or handbags. It exudes sophistication and confidence. When used in clothing, it can be paired with neutral colors like white, black, or gray to create a balanced and elegant look. For accessories, it can add a pop of color to an otherwise muted outfit. The color is suitable for both formal and casual wear, depending on the design and fabric.

Complementary color

Buttons