Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine (#0F0992)
The hex color #0F0992, also known as Ultramarine, is a deep and rich shade of blue. It belongs to the blue color family and evokes feelings of serenity, depth, and sophistication. In the RGB color model, #0F0992 is composed of 5.9% red, 3.53% green, and 57.25% blue. In the CMYK color model, which is commonly used for printing, it consists of 90% cyan, 94% magenta, 0% yellow, and 43% black. Ultramarine has a long history, originally derived from the precious gemstone lapis lazuli. It was highly valued by Renaissance painters for its vibrant and lasting pigment. Today, synthetic ultramarine provides a more accessible and affordable alternative, while retaining the color's characteristic brilliance. This color is often associated with royalty, intelligence, and stability.
The color #0F0992, a deep ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in web design. Its low luminance value results in poor contrast against lighter backgrounds, making text difficult to read for users with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast ratios are crucial for ensuring readability. For normal text (14pt/18px and larger), a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended, while for large text (24px or 19px bold), a ratio of 3:1 is required. When using #0F0992 for text, it's imperative to pair it with a very light color like white (#FFFFFF) or a very pale yellow to meet these contrast requirements. Using it with grays or other dark shades will likely fail accessibility standards, hindering usability for many users. Furthermore, avoid using this color for crucial interactive elements such as buttons or links without careful consideration of the surrounding colors to ensure they are easily identifiable. For decorative purposes, the contrast requirements are less stringent, but best practices suggest considering accessibility even in those instances.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, #0F0992 can serve as a sophisticated background for headers or banners, especially for sites aiming for a high-end or corporate feel. To maintain accessibility, pair it with contrasting text colors like white or light yellow. This color can also be used sparingly for accents to draw attention to specific elements, such as call-to-action buttons, but again, ensure sufficient contrast. Avoid using this color for large blocks of text or critical interactive elements without careful consideration of contrast ratios.
Beauty and Cosmetics
In the beauty industry, ultramarine is a classic shade used for eyeshadows, eyeliners, and mascaras. Its depth and richness provide a dramatic look, suitable for evening wear or special occasions. When used in makeup, it can enhance various eye colors, particularly brown and hazel. It is also commonly used in nail polish to give a bold, striking finish. Cosmetic formulations often combine it with other pigments to create a range of blue and purple hues.
Fashion and Apparel
In fashion, #0F0992 can be incorporated into clothing, accessories, and footwear. It is a versatile color that can be paired with neutrals like gray, black, and white, or with brighter shades like yellow or orange for a bolder statement. Ultramarine is often used in formal wear such as suits and dresses, as well as in casual wear like jeans and sweaters. Accessories such as scarves, handbags, and jewelry can also feature this color to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to an outfit. It can also be used in athletic wear.