Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hex code #13009B, is a deep blue pigment originally derived from the precious stone lapis lazuli. Its name literally means 'beyond the sea,' reflecting its origins as an imported pigment. Historically, ultramarine was highly prized and more expensive than gold, making it a color reserved for the most important commissions, such as the robes of the Virgin Mary in Renaissance paintings. Today, synthetic ultramarine is widely available, making it an accessible color for a range of applications. It is known for its rich, intense blue hue and is valued for its stability and lightfastness. Ultramarine is a popular choice in art, design, and fashion, offering a sense of depth and sophistication.
The color #13009B, a deep ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially in web design. Its very low lightness value (close to black) means that text rendered in this color requires extremely light foreground colors to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) contrast ratios. For example, using white text on a #13009B background is essential for readability. It is crucial to avoid pairing this color with mid-tone grays or darker shades, as this will likely fail accessibility checks, making content unreadable for users with visual impairments. Careful consideration of color contrast is paramount when implementing this color to ensure an inclusive user experience. The use of tools that measure contrast ratios can be invaluable during the design process. Also, providing alternative color schemes for users who need higher contrast or have color vision deficiencies is a good practice.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade of blue that still provides a rich, deep color but with improved contrast against white text.
A more vibrant blue that offers better visibility and can be used as an accent color without overpowering the design.
This color will provide more readability when used as background for text.
Applications
Luxury Branding
Ultramarine, with its depth and sophistication, is perfect for creating a sense of luxury and exclusivity in branding. It is suited for high-end fashion brands, financial institutions, or any company aiming to convey trust and reliability. The color can be used in logos, websites, and marketing materials to project an image of quality and prestige, provided that it is paired with accessible contrasting colors. For instance, an ultramarine background with white or pale gold text can be very effective.
Web Design Accents
In web design, #13009B can be used sparingly as an accent color to draw attention to key elements. It is effective for buttons, headings, or calls to action, provided that sufficient contrast is maintained. The deep ultramarine can add a touch of sophistication to a website's overall design. However, it should not be used excessively, as large areas of this color can be overwhelming. Combining it with lighter, neutral colors will balance its intensity.
Creative Atmosphere
Ultramarine is often associated with creativity, intelligence and imagination. In interior design, it can be applied in study rooms, creative studios or libraries to enhance a stimulating and sophisticated ambiance. In combination with yellow nuances it inspires artistic minds and provides the right atmosphere for creative output.