Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
The color #0E009B, commonly known as Ultramarine, is a deep and intense shade of blue. It belongs to the blue color family and evokes feelings of depth, stability, and sophistication. Historically, ultramarine pigment was derived from lapis lazuli, making it a highly prized and expensive color. Its rich hue made it a favorite among artists for centuries. In the RGB color model, #0E009B is composed of 5.5% red, 0% green, and 61.2% blue. In the HSV color space, its hue is 248.5 degrees, saturation is 100%, and value is 61.2%. Ultramarine is often associated with royalty, intelligence, and trustworthiness. It is a popular choice for branding, design, and art when conveying these qualities. The name 'ultramarine' comes from the Latin 'ultramarinus', literally meaning 'beyond the sea', as the pigment was imported to Europe from Asia.
The color #0E009B, a deep shade of blue, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in web design. Its low luminance value means that text rendered in this color on a white background, or vice versa, will likely fail WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) contrast requirements. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. Therefore, it's crucial to pair this dark blue with very light colors like white (#FFFFFF) or pale yellow (#FFFFE0) to ensure readability for users with visual impairments. Using accessibility evaluation tools during the design process is essential to verify sufficient contrast. Avoid using this color for important interactive elements or text without careful consideration of contrast. Consider using a lighter shade of blue or a high-contrast color combination to improve accessibility. Also, provide alternative ways for users to distinguish information, such as icons or labels, in addition to relying solely on color.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #0E009B can be used as a background color for banners or headers to create a sense of sophistication and depth. However, ensure that the text on top has sufficient contrast, ideally white or a light yellow. It's also suitable for subtle graphical elements or icons, provided they are not crucial for conveying essential information due to accessibility concerns. Consider using it sparingly and in combination with more accessible colors to avoid readability issues. It could also be implemented in loading screens or splash pages to create a memorable first impression. A good application would be to use this color as the main color for navigation bars.
Fashion and Beauty
In fashion, ultramarine blue is often used in evening wear and formal attire, creating a look of elegance and mystery. It can be used for dresses, suits, or accessories like scarves and handbags. When pairing with other colors, consider using metallics like gold or silver to enhance its richness. In makeup, it can be used for eyeliner or eyeshadow, particularly for creating a dramatic or smoky eye look. This shade can be particularly striking on individuals with cooler undertones in their skin. For a bolder statement, use it in combination with contrasting colors like yellow or orange.
Interior Design
In interior design, Ultramarine can be used as an accent color in a variety of ways. It works well on accent walls, providing a pop of color in an otherwise neutral room. Furniture items like sofas, chairs, or cushions can also be upholstered in this shade to add sophistication. It pairs well with both warm and cool neutrals, as well as metallic accents. It can also be incorporated through decorative accessories like vases, artwork, or rugs. Remember to balance it with lighter colors to prevent the room from feeling too dark or overwhelming. Consider incorporating natural elements like wood or plants to add warmth and texture.