Ultramarine
General Information About Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #0F1489, is a deep, rich blue hue. It is characterized by its strong saturation and relatively low lightness value. Historically, ultramarine pigment was derived from lapis lazuli, a rare and expensive mineral, making it a highly prized color in art. The name 'ultramarine' literally means 'beyond the sea,' referring to the pigment's origin from across the sea. In color theory, ultramarine is considered a cool color, often associated with feelings of calmness, stability, and depth. It is a versatile color that can be used in various applications, from graphic design and web development to fashion and interior design. Its intensity can evoke a sense of sophistication and luxury.
The color #0F1489, also known as Ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its dark hue results in low contrast against typical light backgrounds, making text and other visual elements difficult to perceive. To ensure readability and usability, it is crucial to pair this color with very light shades like white or light yellow. Furthermore, web developers should adhere to WCAG guidelines by providing sufficient contrast ratios (at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text) when using Ultramarine for text or interactive elements. Consideration should also be given to users with color blindness, by providing alternative visual cues such as icons or text labels to convey information that might otherwise be lost due to color perception deficiencies. Proper semantic HTML structure also improves accessibility for screen reader users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Design
Ultramarine can be used as a primary color in website designs for businesses in the financial or technology sectors to convey trust, stability, and innovation. For example, it can be used in the navigation bar, headings, and buttons, paired with a clean white background and subtle grey accents to create a professional and modern look. However, web developers need to ensure sufficient contrast for accessibility by using light-colored text or icons on top of the Ultramarine background.
Cosmetic Packaging
Ultramarine is often used in cosmetic product packaging to create a luxurious and sophisticated feel. The deep blue hue is associated with elegance and high quality, making it an ideal choice for brands targeting a discerning clientele. When combined with gold or silver accents, Ultramarine packaging can convey a sense of opulence and exclusivity. The color is particularly popular for eye shadows, eyeliners and mascara packaging, evoking associations with defined eyes and beauty.
Fashion Design
In fashion, Ultramarine can be used as a statement color for clothing, accessories, or footwear. A bold Ultramarine dress or blazer can create a striking and confident look. When used in accessories such as scarves or handbags, it can add a pop of color to a neutral outfit. It is often associated with royalty and the navy due to its intense color. Ultramarine can be paired with neutral colors like black, white, or grey for a classic look, or with contrasting colors like yellow or orange for a more adventurous style.