Ultramarine

General Information about Ultramarine

Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #0D138B, is a deep and intense shade of blue, reminiscent of the precious pigment derived from lapis lazuli. Historically, ultramarine was highly valued and expensive, often reserved for use in religious art and royal commissions. Its name, derived from the Latin 'ultramarinus,' literally means 'beyond the sea,' reflecting its origin from distant lands. In color theory, Ultramarine is associated with qualities such as depth, stability, and wisdom. It is often used to evoke feelings of calmness, trust, and authority. Psychologically, blue is known to have a soothing effect, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. In branding and design, Ultramarine can be used to convey a sense of professionalism, reliability, and sophistication.

The color #0D138B, also known as Ultramarine, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly in text applications. Due to its dark hue, it requires careful consideration of contrast ratios to ensure readability for users with visual impairments. When used as a background color, it's imperative to pair it with light-colored text, such as white or a very pale yellow, to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for contrast. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Avoid using this color for small text or essential UI elements unless a sufficient contrast ratio can be achieved. In situations where high contrast is difficult to achieve, consider providing alternative color schemes or allowing users to customize the display settings to enhance readability. Furthermore, be mindful of colorblindness, as certain shades of blue can be difficult to distinguish for individuals with tritanopia or tritanomaly. Providing redundant cues, such as text labels or icons, can further improve accessibility for all users.

Shades

Digital Color Formats

Alternative colors

Applications

• Website Design

  Ultramarine, with its depth and richness, is a sophisticated choice for website headers and footers, lending an air of elegance and professionalism. It works especially well for technology, finance, or educational websites aiming to convey trust and authority. When used as a background, pair it with crisp white or light gray text for optimal readability. Avoid using it for large blocks of text; instead, reserve it for headings, call-to-action buttons, and graphical elements. Furthermore, consider incorporating subtle textures or gradients to add visual interest and prevent the background from appearing too flat. Complementary colors like gold or yellow can be used sparingly as accents to create a visually appealing and balanced design.

• Interior Design and Fashion

  In interior design, Ultramarine can be used to create a serene and calming atmosphere in bedrooms or studies. It pairs well with neutral colors like gray, beige, and white, as well as natural materials like wood and stone. Consider using it as an accent wall color or for upholstery to add a pop of color without overwhelming the space. Accessorize with gold or silver accents to enhance its luxurious feel. In fashion, Ultramarine is a bold choice for evening wear or statement pieces. It complements a variety of skin tones and can be paired with contrasting colors like red or orange for a striking look.

• Mobile Application Development

  Ultramarine can provide a rich and captivating background for mobile applications, particularly those focused on entertainment or creativity. Use it sparingly for UI elements, favoring lighter shades for better readability. It's also suitable for data visualization, providing a contrasting background for graphs and charts, provided that data points are represented in lighter, contrasting colors.

Complementary color

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