Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hex code #150692, is a deep and saturated blue color. It derives its name from the Latin 'ultramarinus,' meaning 'beyond the sea,' as the original pigment was made from lapis lazuli imported from faraway lands. Historically, ultramarine was highly valued and expensive, often reserved for depicting the robes of the Virgin Mary in religious paintings. Today, synthetic ultramarine is readily available, making it a widely used color in various applications. In color theory, ultramarine is considered a cool color, associated with feelings of calmness, stability, and depth. It is often used to evoke a sense of trust and professionalism. The color #150692 has a relatively low luminance, making it appear darker. This specific shade leans towards the indigo spectrum, exhibiting a strong blue hue with subtle violet undertones, contributing to its rich and intense appearance.
The color #150692, a deep ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, especially for users with visual impairments. Its low luminance value of approximately 3% means that text rendered in this color requires very light foreground colors to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) contrast ratios. For standard text (AA level), a contrast ratio of 4.5:1 is needed, while large text requires a 3:1 ratio. Using white (#FFFFFF) as the foreground color provides a contrast ratio of about 15:1, which meets the AAA level. However, lighter shades of gray or colors closer to #150692 will likely fail accessibility checks. Designers should carefully choose foreground colors and provide options for users to adjust color schemes if necessary, ensuring readability and usability for all individuals, including those with low vision or color blindness. Consider alternative color combinations or provide a high-contrast mode to enhance accessibility.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Website Design
Ultramarine (#150692) can be used to create a sophisticated and calming atmosphere in a website's design. It is often employed in the headers, footers, or sidebars to provide a visually appealing contrast with lighter content areas. The deep blue hue conveys trust and stability, making it suitable for business or financial websites. However, careful consideration of text color and contrast is necessary to ensure readability and accessibility. The color evokes a sense of elegance and professionalism, making it ideal for creating a positive user experience.
Fashion Design
In the realm of fashion, Ultramarine (#150692) can be a striking choice for evening wear or formal attire. Its rich and deep tone adds a touch of luxury and sophistication. It can be used as a dominant color in dresses or suits, or as an accent color in accessories such as scarves or handbags. When paired with metallic elements like gold or silver, it creates a captivating and elegant look. Furthermore, the color complements a wide range of skin tones, making it a versatile choice for various fashion styles and trends.
User Interface Design
The color can be utilized in user interface (UI) design to highlight key elements and create a visually engaging experience. It is often used for buttons, icons, and other interactive components to draw the user's attention. This blue is suitable for dashboard interfaces that require a modern and intuitive design. Use this color sparingly as an accent to maintain a clean and professional look. Combining this with a light color can bring a new design to life.