Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #0D12A7, is a deep, vivid blue hue. Historically, the pigment was originally derived from the precious gemstone lapis lazuli, making it one of the most expensive and prized colors. The name 'Ultramarine' literally means 'beyond the sea,' as the pigment had to be imported to Europe from mines in Asia. The color is often associated with royalty, spirituality, and artistic masterpieces due to its historical significance and vibrant appearance. In modern usage, Ultramarine is widely used in paints, dyes, and digital design, appreciated for its rich and captivating tone. The color conveys a sense of depth, mystery and elegance.
The color #0D12A7, also known as Ultramarine, presents several accessibility considerations, especially in web design. Its dark hue means it requires careful attention to contrast ratios to ensure readability. When used as a background color, it's crucial to pair it with light text (white or very light shades of yellow or gray) to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for sufficient contrast. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text is recommended. Conversely, if #0D12A7 is used as the text color, the background should be significantly lighter. It's also important to avoid using this color as the sole indicator of interactive elements like links or buttons, as users with color vision deficiencies may not be able to distinguish them. Supplement with other visual cues, such as underlines, bolding, or icons, to ensure usability for all users. Proper use of ARIA attributes can further enhance accessibility by providing semantic information to assistive technologies.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast against white backgrounds, making it suitable for text and interactive elements.
A more saturated blue that can be used to draw attention to specific elements on a webpage, like call-to-action buttons or important notifications.
A dark blue color that can provide better readability on light backgrounds, especially for body text.
Applications
Web Design for Trust and Authority
In web design, Ultramarine (#0D12A7) can be utilized to create a sophisticated and trustworthy aesthetic. It's particularly effective for financial institutions, educational platforms, or corporate websites aiming to project stability and authority. As a background color, it needs careful pairing with contrasting text. As an accent color, it can highlight key elements or call-to-action buttons. The color evokes feelings of trust, intelligence and security which is why is so often used in web applications.
Beauty and Cosmetics
In the realm of beauty and cosmetics, Ultramarine can be incorporated into eyeshadow palettes, eyeliners, or nail polishes to create striking and bold looks. Its rich pigmentation allows for intense color payoff, making it suitable for both everyday wear and special occasions. The color creates elegant, but also provocative accents.
Fashion Design
In fashion, Ultramarine can be used as a statement color in clothing and accessories. Think of a striking Ultramarine dress, a sophisticated scarf, or bold jewelry pieces. Its deep hue adds a touch of elegance and can be easily paired with neutral colors like black, white, or gray for a balanced and stylish look. It can also be combined with complementary colors like yellow or orange for a more vibrant and eye-catching ensemble. The color creates striking accents in both women and men fashion.