Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #110f89, is a deep, vivid blue pigment originally derived from the semi-precious stone lapis lazuli. Its name literally means 'beyond the sea,' reflecting its historical origin as a pigment imported into Europe from mines in Asia. In the realm of color theory, ultramarine is considered a cool color, evoking feelings of serenity, stability, and depth. It is a popular choice for artists, designers, and marketers seeking to convey a sense of trustworthiness and sophistication. Due to its strong pigmentation, ultramarine has been historically valued and even more expensive than gold. Modern synthetic versions are now widely available, making the color accessible for broad applications, ranging from fine art to industrial coatings.
The color #110f89, a deep shade of ultramarine, presents considerable accessibility challenges, particularly in web design. Its low luminance value results in poor contrast against typical light backgrounds, such as white or light gray. This lack of contrast makes text and other visual elements difficult to read for users, especially those with visual impairments, color blindness, or elderly individuals with reduced visual acuity. To ensure inclusivity, it's crucial to pair this color with significantly lighter hues or use it sparingly for purely decorative purposes. When using #110f89 for text, a very light color, like #ffffff or a light shade of yellow, should be used for the background. It is essential to conduct thorough accessibility testing with diverse user groups to validate the effectiveness of color combinations and adjustments.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Financial Website Design
Ultramarine, with its depth and sophistication, is perfectly suited for creating a sense of trust and reliability in financial websites and applications. Its association with the ocean and sky evokes feelings of stability and calm, making it an excellent choice for brands seeking to project a professional and dependable image. The color can be incorporated into website backgrounds, navigation menus, and call-to-action buttons to create a cohesive and trustworthy user experience. Furthermore, the judicious use of ultramarine in charts and graphs can enhance data visualization and improve user comprehension, solidifying the brand's commitment to clarity and transparency.
Cosmetics and Beauty Products
In the beauty industry, ultramarine offers a touch of elegance and mystery. It's a popular choice for eyeshadows, eyeliners, and nail polishes, lending a dramatic and sophisticated flair. Its deep, rich hue complements various skin tones and can be used to create stunning eye-catching looks. The color's inherent coolness makes it suitable for creating both daytime and evening styles, ranging from subtle accents to bold statements. In packaging design, ultramarine conveys a sense of luxury and exclusivity, appealing to consumers seeking high-end beauty products. It can be combined with metallic accents or complementary colors to enhance visual appeal and create a lasting impression.
Interior Design
Ultramarine can be used to create a bold statement wall, adding depth and drama to the space. It can also be used in smaller accents, such as throw pillows, artwork, or decorative objects, to add pops of color and create visual interest. Ultramarine pairs well with neutral colors like white, gray, and beige, as well as natural materials like wood and stone, creating a balanced and harmonious aesthetic. In lighting design, ultramarine-tinted glass or light fixtures can create a moody and atmospheric ambiance, perfect for creating a relaxing and inviting space.