Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
The hex color #11019A, also known as Ultramarine, is a deep, saturated shade of blue that evokes feelings of depth, sophistication, and mystery. It belongs to the blue color family and is characterized by its high intensity and slightly purplish undertones. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 6.67% red, 0.39% green, and 60.39% blue. Ultramarine has a rich history, as it was originally derived from the precious mineral lapis lazuli. Because of the labour intensive and expensive nature of extraction of the pigment from the stone, it was highly prized by artists throughout history, especially during the Renaissance. It was often used to depict the robes of the Virgin Mary and other important religious figures. Today, synthetic versions of Ultramarine are widely available, making it more accessible for various applications.
The color #11019A, also known as Ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in web design. Its extremely dark hue results in very low contrast against standard light backgrounds, which can make text and other visual elements difficult to read for users with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is essential for readability. To ensure accessibility, it's crucial to pair this color with very light shades, ideally whites or near-whites, to achieve a contrast ratio that meets or exceeds the recommended levels. Furthermore, avoid using this color for interactive elements like buttons or links without providing clear visual cues and sufficient contrast in their different states (hover, focus, active). Consider offering alternative color schemes for users with specific visual needs to enhance the overall user experience.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design Accent
In web design, Ultramarine (#11019A) can serve as an accent color for headers or navigation bars, providing a touch of sophistication. However, due to its darkness, it should be used sparingly and always paired with lighter text to ensure readability. For instance, it could be effectively used as a background for a website's hero section with white or light grey text overlaid. The color can also be incorporated into website logos, icons, and other branding elements to create a memorable visual identity. Furthermore, it can be used for call-to-action buttons, provided there is sufficient contrast between the button's background and text.
Beauty and Makeup
In the realm of beauty, Ultramarine can be used to create striking eye makeup looks. An eyeshadow in this shade can add depth and intensity to the eyes, especially when paired with neutral or lighter shades for contrast. For a bold statement, Ultramarine eyeliner can be used to define the eyes, providing a pop of color that is both captivating and sophisticated. This color can be used as a base for a nail polish shade to give nails a unique look. In addition, Ultramarine pigments can be blended into lipsticks or lip glosses to add a subtle tint or to create a more dramatic, avant-garde look.
Fashion Design
In the realm of fashion, Ultramarine can serve as a striking choice for evening wear, such as gowns or cocktail dresses. Its deep, rich hue creates a sense of elegance and sophistication, making it ideal for formal events. As an accent color, Ultramarine can be incorporated into accessories like scarves, handbags, or jewelry to add a pop of color to an outfit. In menswear, Ultramarine can be used for ties, pocket squares, or dress shirts, providing a touch of sophistication to a suit or blazer ensemble. Its versatility allows it to be used in both casual and formal attire, making it a timeless and fashionable choice.