Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #0F0E8A, is a deep, saturated blue hue historically derived from the precious mineral lapis lazuli. The name "ultramarine" literally means "beyond the sea," reflecting its origins as a pigment imported into Europe from Asia. In color theory, ultramarine sits between blue and violet on the color wheel. Its RGB values are R: 15, G: 14, B: 138. Due to its dark nature, it is less reflective and can absorb most of the visible light spectrum. This color is often associated with royalty, wisdom, and stability, and it’s a popular choice for branding and design where a sense of trustworthiness and sophistication is desired.
The color #0F0E8A, a deep ultramarine, presents several accessibility considerations for web design. Its low luminance value of approximately 1% means it offers very little contrast against a standard white background. This severely impacts readability for users with visual impairments. To ensure accessibility, a very light color such as white or a pale yellow should be used as the foreground text color. Using online contrast checkers is highly recommended to confirm the contrast ratio meets WCAG guidelines (ideally a minimum of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text). Avoid using this color for essential interactive elements without careful attention to contrast. Furthermore, when used in charts or data visualizations, ensure sufficient color differentiation with other data points to avoid confusion. Providing text labels is also crucial.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2e2fad
A slightly lighter blue that offers better contrast against white backgrounds while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #46578a
A muted gray-blue that can be used as a background color to provide a sophisticated and calming feel.
- #4b0082
A vibrant indigo that retains the depth of the original color while increasing its luminance.
Applications
Website Headers and Footers
Ultramarine, with its profound depth, offers a unique touch to website headers and footers. It evokes trust and stability, suitable for financial or educational institutions. Imagine a banking website with a subtly animated, dark blue header. The key is using high-contrast text to ensure readability.
Fashion Accents
In the realm of fashion, ultramarine can be a striking accent color, particularly in accessories like scarves or handbags. Pair it with neutral tones like gray or beige to create a sophisticated look. It is also suitable for evening wear, bringing a sense of elegance.
Interior Design Accents
Ultramarine offers a sense of depth and tranquility, ideal for accent walls or decorative elements. To create a calming atmosphere, combine it with warm grays or off-whites. It works particularly well in bedrooms or studies to foster focus.