Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hex code #12009B, is a deep blue color with a rich history. Originally derived from the precious mineral lapis lazuli, ultramarine pigment was highly valued by Renaissance artists for its brilliance and permanence. Today, synthetic ultramarine is widely available, retaining the original's vibrant hue. In the RGB color model, ultramarine is composed of 7.1% red, 0% green, and 61.2% blue. Its CMYK values are 88.4% cyan, 100% magenta, 0% yellow, and 38.8% black. This color evokes feelings of depth, stability, and sophistication. In color psychology, blue is often associated with trust, intelligence, and calmness. Ultramarine's intensity can also convey a sense of power and luxury.
The hex color #12009B, also known as Ultramarine, presents some accessibility challenges, especially for users with visual impairments. Its dark hue results in low contrast against lighter backgrounds, making text or interactive elements difficult to read. To enhance accessibility, it's crucial to pair this color with significantly lighter shades, such as whites or very light yellows, to ensure a contrast ratio that meets WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards. For instance, a text color of #FFFFFF (white) on a background of #12009B will improve readability. Additionally, avoid using this color for crucial information or interactive elements without proper contrast adjustments. Consider providing alternative visual cues, like icons or labels, to support users who may struggle to differentiate elements based solely on color. Thoroughly testing the color scheme with accessibility tools and real users is essential to ensure an inclusive user experience.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade of blue, providing a similar aesthetic with improved visibility on various backgrounds.
A more vibrant blue that can draw attention while still maintaining a sense of depth and sophistication.
Prussian Blue provides a deeper, richer tone, offering a more muted alternative with historical elegance and versatility.
Applications
Web Design
Ultramarine, with its deep and rich blue hue, can be used as a primary color in website designs aiming for a sophisticated and trustworthy feel. It's particularly effective in the financial or technological sectors, where conveying reliability and stability is crucial. In UI design, it can serve as an accent color for buttons and interactive elements, drawing user attention without being overly aggressive. The color should be used strategically, ensuring sufficient contrast with text and other UI components for accessibility. Additionally, Ultramarine can be incorporated into website backgrounds or headers, creating a visually appealing and professional aesthetic that reinforces brand identity.
Beauty and Cosmetics
In the beauty industry, Ultramarine is often used in eyeshadows, eyeliners, and nail polishes to create a bold and dramatic look. Its intense pigmentation allows for a striking visual impact, making it a popular choice for evening or special-occasion makeup. When used in cosmetics, Ultramarine can be mixed with other colors to create a range of shades, from deep indigo to vibrant turquoise. It's also used as a pigment in some skincare products to neutralize yellow tones and brighten the complexion. However, it's essential to ensure that the Ultramarine used in cosmetics is of high quality and safe for use on the skin.
Fashion Design
Ultramarine lends itself well to luxurious and sophisticated fashion designs. It works particularly well in evening gowns and formal wear. Ultramarine evokes a sense of royalty and elegance, making it suitable for creating striking and memorable pieces.