Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine (#10148A)
The color #10148A, commonly known as Ultramarine, is a deep, rich blue hue that evokes feelings of sophistication and tranquility. It falls within the blue-violet spectrum and is often associated with qualities such as depth, stability, and intelligence. Historically, Ultramarine was derived from the precious stone lapis lazuli, making it a highly valued pigment used by Renaissance painters for depicting important figures and scenes. Its name literally means "beyond the sea," referencing its origin from stones imported into Europe from Asia. Today, synthetic Ultramarine is widely available, retaining the same vibrant color at a more accessible cost. In color psychology, Ultramarine is believed to promote feelings of peace and clarity, making it a popular choice for branding and design applications seeking to convey trust and reliability.
The color #10148A, also known as Ultramarine, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When used as text on a white background, or vice versa, it may not meet the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) AA standards for contrast ratio, making it difficult for users with visual impairments to read. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is generally recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. To improve accessibility, consider using #10148A with lighter shades of yellow, orange or green for text and graphic elements or pair it with a darker background to ensure sufficient contrast. Utilizing tools that evaluate color contrast ratios can help determine if the combination meets accessibility standards. Additionally, providing alternative ways to convey information, such as using descriptive text or icons, can enhance accessibility for all users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Ultramarine (#10148A) can be used to create a sense of depth and sophistication. It is effective for header backgrounds, button accents, and navigation bars, particularly for websites targeting a professional or academic audience. When using this color, it's important to consider the contrast with text and other elements to ensure readability and accessibility. Pairing it with lighter colors like off-white or pale yellow can create a visually appealing and balanced design. Ultramarine also works well in data visualizations, helping to distinguish different data sets in charts and graphs. Its rich hue makes it suitable for highlighting important information and drawing attention to key elements on the page.
Beauty and Cosmetics
In the beauty industry, Ultramarine can be used to create captivating eye makeup looks, such as eyeshadow or eyeliner. Its deep blue hue adds depth and dimension to the eyes, making them appear more vibrant. This color is especially flattering for people with brown or hazel eyes, as it enhances their natural warmth. Ultramarine can also be incorporated into nail polish, adding a touch of sophistication to manicures and pedicures. When using Ultramarine in beauty applications, it's important to consider the overall color palette and skin tone to achieve a harmonious and balanced look. Combining it with complementary colors like gold or bronze can create a striking and glamorous effect.
Corporate Branding
Ultramarine is a color that evokes feelings of trust, loyalty and stability. It can be applied as a background color to bring that emotion across a corporate business site to represent reliability. It may not be great for call to action buttons as it is not a high energy color. But it does pair well with oranges and yellows and can give a great sense of high class.