Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
The hex color #110099, also known as Ultramarine, is a deep and rich shade of blue. It belongs to the blue color family and is characterized by its strong, intense hue. The color's hexadecimal code indicates the specific combination of red, green, and blue light that creates the color on digital displays. Ultramarine has historical significance, having been derived from the rare and expensive mineral lapis lazuli. In color psychology, ultramarine is associated with qualities such as intelligence, trust, efficiency, serenity, duty, and reflection. It is often used to evoke a sense of sophistication, depth, and stability. In art, ultramarine is known for its vibrant and long-lasting qualities, making it a popular choice among painters throughout history. Its depth and intensity can add drama and dimension to various visual mediums.
The hex color #110099, a deep shade of ultramarine, presents some accessibility challenges, especially in web design. Its low lightness value means it offers poor contrast when paired with similarly dark colors. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is crucial for users with visual impairments to perceive text and interactive elements clearly. Therefore, using #110099 for text or foreground elements on a dark background is not recommended. A light color, such as a pale yellow or white, should be used instead to ensure adequate contrast. In scenarios where #110099 is used as a background, ensure that the foreground text is light enough to meet the contrast ratio requirements. It's also advisable to provide alternative visual cues, such as underlines for links or icons for buttons, to enhance usability for all users, regardless of their visual abilities. Testing with accessibility tools is vital to validate the design's compliance and optimize the user experience.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
A desaturated blue that can be used as a neutral background color, offering more versatility.
A vibrant royal blue that provides more luminosity and may be preferable as a more accessibile color
Applications
Web Design
Ultramarine (#110099) can be used to evoke a sense of depth and sophistication in a website's design. It's suitable for header backgrounds, call-to-action buttons, or accent elements. However, it's essential to pair it with lighter colors for text and other interactive elements to ensure readability and accessibility. It could also be incorporated into data visualizations to represent specific categories or trends, but contrast should be carefully considered when placing labels and data points on top of it. Using ultramarine sparingly, in combination with other colors, prevents the design from becoming overwhelming and maintains a professional look.
Beauty and Cosmetics
Ultramarine (#110099) finds applications in the beauty industry, particularly in eye makeup. Eyeshadows, eyeliners, and mascaras can use this color to create dramatic and captivating looks. The deep blue tone enhances eye color and adds depth to the overall makeup style. Furthermore, ultramarine pigments are sometimes used in nail polishes, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to manicures. The color is also used in hair dyes, especially for adding highlights or creating ombre effects.
Interior Design
Ultramarine (#110099) can be applied to interior design as an accent color to create focal points within a room. It could be used on a feature wall, in decorative pillows, or as a color for upholstered furniture. The deep blue hue can add a sense of calm and sophistication, but its use should be balanced with lighter and warmer colors to prevent the room from feeling too dark or cold. Ultramarine also works well in nautical-themed designs or to bring a touch of the ocean indoors.