Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine (#120F89) is a deep blue color that is often associated with royalty, sophistication, and depth. It is a dark shade of blue, residing on the cooler side of the color spectrum. In RGB color space, it is composed of 7.1% red, 5.9% green, and 53.7% blue. Its CMYK values are 73.3% cyan, 77.9% magenta, 0% yellow, and 46.3% black. The hexadecimal code #120F89 is a precise way to represent this color in digital applications. Ultramarine gets its name from the Latin word 'ultramarinus', meaning 'beyond the sea', as it was originally derived from the precious gemstone lapis lazuli, imported from faraway lands. Historically, it was one of the most expensive pigments, reserved for use by master painters and often used to depict the robes of the Virgin Mary in religious paintings.
The color #120F89, also known as Ultramarine, presents several accessibility considerations. With a very low luminance value, it is crucial to ensure sufficient contrast when using this color for text or interactive elements. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. When using #120F89 as a background color, light text colors such as white or very light grays should be used to meet these contrast requirements. Furthermore, avoid using this color as the sole indicator for interactive elements or important information. Supplement it with additional visual cues like icons, underlines, or labels to ensure usability for users with visual impairments. It's also important to test the color combination with accessibility tools to confirm compliance with WCAG standards and to address potential issues for users with different types of color blindness.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Ultramarine can be used to create a sophisticated and modern look, especially for websites related to technology, finance, or education. It can be incorporated into the color scheme for headings, buttons, and accents, complemented by neutral colors like white, gray, or light beige for the background. However, careful consideration should be given to contrast ratios to ensure readability and accessibility. This color can be effectively combined with other shades of blue or complementary colors like yellow or orange to create visually appealing and balanced designs.
Fashion
In fashion, Ultramarine can be a bold statement color, often used in evening wear, accessories, or statement pieces. It pairs well with metallic tones like silver or gold for an elegant look, or with contrasting colors like red or yellow for a more playful and vibrant style. As a dominant color, it can be used for dresses, coats, or suits, while as an accent color, it can be incorporated into scarves, handbags, or jewelry to add a pop of color to an outfit.
Interior Design
Ultramarine adds depth and drama to interior spaces, making it suitable as an accent wall color or for furniture upholstery in living rooms, bedrooms, or offices. When using it, contrast it with lighter neutrals like white, cream, or light gray to create balance and prevent the space from feeling too dark. The color is particularly effective when paired with metallic accents such as gold or brass, and natural materials like wood or stone.