Ultramarine
About Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #140098, is a deep and intense blue hue. Historically, ultramarine was derived from the rare and expensive mineral lapis lazuli, making it a highly prized pigment used by Renaissance artists. Its name literally means "beyond the sea", reflecting its origin from stones imported into Europe from Asia. In modern color theory, ultramarine is considered a cool color, often associated with depth, stability, and intelligence. Its strong blue character can evoke feelings of tranquility and trust. It is used widely in various applications ranging from graphic design to fashion.
The color #140098, a deep ultramarine, presents some accessibility challenges. Its dark hue means that text rendered in this color requires a very light background to ensure sufficient contrast for readability, especially for users with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal-sized text and 3:1 for large text. Using this color for important textual information or interactive elements without careful consideration of contrast could exclude a significant portion of users. Designers should test color combinations using accessibility tools to verify compliance. In cases where achieving sufficient contrast is difficult, consider lightening the color or using a lighter background.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #2800a8
A slightly lighter shade that maintains the richness of ultramarine while improving contrast against lighter backgrounds.
- #3b00c7
A more vibrant blue that can be used to draw attention to specific elements on a page.
- #23008b
A dark indigo, similar to ultramarine, that provides a sophisticated and elegant feel.
Applications
Luxury Website Design
Ultramarine, with its association with depth and sophistication, is well-suited for creating a luxurious feel in web design. It can be used for headers, backgrounds, or accents to evoke a sense of quality and exclusivity. Combining it with gold or silver accents can further enhance this effect. However, it should be used sparingly and balanced with lighter colors to avoid overwhelming the user. Its depth adds a touch of elegance often found in websites for luxury brands.
Educational Platforms
Ultramarine's connection to intellect and knowledge makes it a great choice for educational websites or applications. It can be used to create a sense of trust and authority, encouraging users to engage with the content. Using it in combination with lighter blues or greens can create a balanced and inviting atmosphere. It helps communicate reliability and stability which are ideal in these type of websites. Moreover, it fosters concentration and learning.
High Fashion Design
Ultramarine is often used in fashion design to convey a sense of sophistication and elegance. It's a popular choice for evening wear and formal attire. When combined with other jewel tones, such as emerald green or ruby red, it can create a rich and luxurious look. Also, this color works as a base for creating visually stunning and attention grabbing designs that reflect high quality and refinement. This allows designers to highlight particular attributes of their designs.