Black Rock
General Information about #12092B
The hexadecimal color code #12092B, also referred to as Black Rock, is a very dark shade of purple, almost indistinguishable from black. It's composed of 7.06% red, 3.53% green, and 16.86% blue. In the RGB color space, it resides very close to the origin, representing a point with very low intensity across all color channels. This results in a color with extremely low luminance and saturation, giving it a muted and somber appearance. The color is frequently used in design scenarios where a subtle, almost hidden element is needed, or when aiming for a sense of mystery and depth. Due to its darkness, it is crucial to pair it with lighter colors for contrast to ensure readability and accessibility.
The hex color #12092B, also known as Black Rock, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in text-based contexts. Its extremely low luminance of approximately 0.003 makes it nearly indistinguishable from true black. Consequently, using this color for text or interactive elements against a dark background would result in near-invisible content, failing WCAG contrast ratio guidelines. For text, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Against a white background, #12092B provides a contrast ratio far below the minimum, making it unsuitable for readability. To ensure accessibility, designers and developers should avoid using #12092B for text or critical UI elements. If the color is essential to the design, pairing it with significantly lighter colors is crucial. Tools like contrast checkers can help evaluate the compliance of color combinations with accessibility standards, ensuring content is perceivable to users with visual impairments.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #281a4f
A slightly lighter shade of purple that offers better contrast against dark backgrounds while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #333333
A dark gray that provides improved readability compared to #12092B when used as text on a light background.
- #1e153a
A dark blue-purple alternative that offers a similar mood but with slightly better visibility and contrast.
Applications
Web Design Accent
In web design, #12092B can be employed as a subtle background accent color or as a deep shadow tone to add depth to elements. However, due to its darkness, it should be used sparingly and with careful consideration of contrast ratios. It is suitable for creating a sophisticated, understated feel on websites targeting luxury or technology sectors, provided it's paired with brighter, contrasting colors for text and interactive elements. Using it for non-textual elements like icons or decorative shapes against a lighter background can subtly enhance the visual hierarchy. Combining it with lighter purples or grays can create an interesting and balanced palette.
Beauty Product Packaging
In the beauty industry, particularly for packaging and product design, #12092B evokes a sense of mystery and sophistication. It's ideal for products marketed towards evening wear, such as eyeliner, mascara, or deep-toned nail polish. The color can be used to create a sense of exclusivity and high-end quality. When used in makeup palettes or product packaging, it often is combined with metallic accents like silver or gold to further enhance its luxurious appeal. In marketing materials, #12092B can visually communicate a product's bold, dramatic effect.
Interior Design Accent
For interior design, Black Rock can be applied as an accent wall color in a dimly lit room to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. When paired with light-colored furniture and metallic accents, it can evoke a sense of modern luxury. It can also be used as a base color for a home theater to minimize light reflection and enhance the viewing experience. Accents in lighter colors like light grey, beige, or off-white are recommended to maintain balance and contrast and avoid making the room feel too dark or small.