Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine (#10188B)
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #10188B, is a deep blue pigment derived from the mineral lapis lazuli. Its name originates from the Latin 'ultramarinus', meaning 'beyond the sea', reflecting its historical import from overseas. Chemically, it is a complex sodium aluminosilicate with sulfur. Renowned for its intense and lasting color, Ultramarine has been highly valued since the Middle Ages, often used in religious art to depict the Virgin Mary's robes due to its association with holiness and royalty. In modern color theory, Ultramarine is considered a cool color, evoking feelings of serenity, wisdom, and stability. Its RGB values are R:16, G:24, B:139.
The color #10188B, also known as Ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its dark hue results in a low contrast ratio against lighter backgrounds, making text or interactive elements difficult to discern. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is crucial for readability and usability. To ensure accessibility, it is recommended to pair Ultramarine with very light colors like white or pale yellow to achieve a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Additionally, avoid using Ultramarine as the sole indicator for interactive elements; supplement it with clear labels, icons, or underlines to provide alternative cues. Consider offering a high-contrast mode option for your website or application, allowing users to customize the color scheme to their preferences and improve overall accessibility.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design, Fashion and Interior Design
In web design, Ultramarine can be used sparingly as an accent color for headings, buttons, or call-to-action elements. Due to its dark nature, it's best suited for creating a sense of depth or sophistication. In fashion, Ultramarine is a bold choice for evening wear or statement pieces. It can also be used as a complementary color to warmer tones like gold or yellow to create a visually striking effect. Interior designers might use Ultramarine as an accent wall color or for upholstery, paired with lighter neutrals to prevent the space from feeling too dark. Combining it with natural materials like wood or stone can create a balanced and inviting atmosphere. Furthermore, in data visualization, Ultramarine can effectively highlight key data points.
Beauty, Graphic Design and Fine Arts
Ultramarine, with its depth and richness, finds application in the beauty industry, notably in eye makeup. Eyeshadows or eyeliners in this hue can enhance and define the eyes, particularly complementing those with lighter irises. In graphic design, Ultramarine can be used to convey trust and reliability, making it suitable for branding materials for financial institutions or technology companies. Its association with intellect and stability makes it a solid choice for logos and marketing collateral. Moreover, in the realm of fine arts, Ultramarine has historically been valued as a pigment for its vibrant and lasting color, often used in iconic paintings to depict robes, skies, and other significant elements.
Fashion and clothing lines
This color is suitable for clothing lines, as it gives an impression of royalty and respect. It can be used in formal wear or in casual wear, for example by using it in combination with white. It can also be used as an attention grabber. In addition, this color can be used to give an impression of high quality or status.