Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
The hexadecimal color code #140C8F, also known as Ultramarine, represents a deep shade of blue with strong purple undertones. It is composed of 7.84% red, 4.71% green, and 56.08% blue. In the RGB color model, this translates to 20 red, 12 green, and 143 blue. In the HSL (hue, saturation, lightness) system, #140C8F has a hue of 245 degrees, a saturation of 85%, and a lightness of 30%. Ultramarine is often associated with feelings of depth, stability, and intelligence. Historically, ultramarine pigment was derived from the semi-precious stone lapis lazuli, making it one of the most expensive and highly prized pigments. Today, it is synthetically produced, making it more accessible for various applications. The color's unique blend of blue and purple hues makes it versatile for design, art, and fashion.
The color #140C8F, a deep ultramarine, presents several accessibility considerations for web developers. Its dark hue results in a low luminance value, which means it requires careful pairing with text and background colors to ensure sufficient contrast. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular) to meet Level AA compliance. For Level AAA, these ratios increase to 7:1 and 4.5:1 respectively. Therefore, when using #140C8F as a background color, it is crucial to use very light text colors, such as white or light yellow, to achieve adequate contrast. Additionally, avoid using this color for essential UI elements or interactive components without providing clear visual cues, such as borders or icons, to ensure users can easily identify and interact with them. Providing alternative high-contrast themes will improve the experience for users with visual impairments. Color blindness simulators can help designers check how the color is perceived by users with different types of color vision deficiencies.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast on white backgrounds while still retaining a similar aesthetic.
A more vibrant blue that can be used to draw attention to specific elements on a webpage.
A dark shade of purple-blue which is easier on the eyes than pure dark blue.
Applications
Web Development
In web development, #140C8F can be used to create a sophisticated and professional look for websites, particularly those in the finance, technology, or education sectors. It works well for navigation bars, headers, and footers, providing a solid and trustworthy feel. When used sparingly, it can also highlight call-to-action buttons or important links, but it is important to make sure to select a contrasting text color to ensure these elements are fully accessible. Consider using this color for backgrounds on sections with white text, as it provides a nice contrast. This color can also add a sense of depth and calmness to a website's overall design.
Fashion
In fashion, Ultramarine (#140C8F) can be used as a bold statement color for dresses, suits, or outerwear. It pairs well with neutral colors such as gray, beige, or white for a classic and elegant look. Alternatively, it can be combined with complementary colors like yellow or gold for a more vibrant and eye-catching outfit. This color conveys a sense of confidence and sophistication, making it suitable for both formal and casual wear. Accessories in this hue can also add a touch of elegance to any ensemble.
Interior Design
In interior design, #140C8F can be used to create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere in living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices. It works well as an accent color for walls, furniture, or decor items. Pair it with light gray, white, or cream for a balanced and harmonious look. Use it to create a feature wall or incorporate it through textiles like curtains or rugs to bring a touch of luxury to any space. To amplify the impact, consider metallic accents like gold or silver. To keep the atmosphere light it's very important to ensure there is sufficient lighting in the interior.