Ultramarine
About Ultramarine (#12118A)
The hex color #12118A, also known as Ultramarine, is a deep, rich shade of blue. It belongs to the blue color family and possesses a significant amount of blue pigment, with lesser amounts of red and green. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 7.06% red, 6.67% green, and 54.12% blue. Its CMYK values are 0.87, 0.88, 0.0, 0.45. Ultramarine is often associated with qualities like depth, stability, and sophistication. Its name comes from the Latin 'ultramarinus', literally 'beyond the sea', as it was originally imported from minerals found overseas. The color has historical significance, being highly valued as a pigment in paints, especially during the Renaissance.
The color #12118A, a deep shade of ultramarine, presents certain accessibility challenges, particularly in web design. Its low luminance of 0.017 means that text rendered in this color requires very light foreground colors to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for contrast. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Using white (#FFFFFF) or very light gray text on a #12118A background can help achieve this. Without sufficient contrast, users with visual impairments may struggle to read the content. It's crucial to test color combinations with accessibility tools to ensure readability for all users. Furthermore, avoid using #12118A as the sole indicator of important information, such as links or interactive elements, as colorblind users might miss them.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Corporate Branding
Ultramarine, with its depth and richness, is often used to evoke feelings of sophistication, intelligence, and trust. In web design, it can be applied to create a professional and reliable brand image, particularly for sectors like finance, technology, or education. It can be used in headers, footers, or as an accent color to draw attention to important elements. It can also be used to create contrast with lighter elements, making the website visually appealing.
Artistic Design
Ultramarine, reminiscent of the deep sea and the night sky, finds extensive use in artistic and design applications where a touch of elegance is desired. It can be incorporated into backgrounds, illustrations, or graphic elements to establish a sense of depth and creativity. Moreover, it can be mixed and matched with other colors to generate a broad array of effects. When used in gradients, ultramarine helps create visually dynamic and engaging designs.
Interior Design
Ultramarine is a popular choice for creating a serene and sophisticated atmosphere in interior design. It can be used as an accent color on walls, furniture, or decorative accessories. This rich blue hue pairs well with neutral colors like white, gray, and beige, as well as metallic accents like gold and silver. It's often used in bedrooms and living rooms to evoke feelings of tranquility and comfort. Furthermore, ultramarine can be combined with textures like velvet or silk to enhance its luxurious feel.