Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
The color #1507AC, commonly known as Ultramarine, is a deep blue pigment originally derived from the precious mineral lapis lazuli. Its name literally means "beyond the sea," reflecting its origin as a pigment imported into Europe from overseas. Historically, ultramarine was highly prized and extremely expensive, often reserved for the most important figures in paintings, such as the Virgin Mary. Nowadays, synthetic ultramarine is widely available, making it a more accessible color. In the RGB color model, #1507AC is composed of 8.24% red, 2.75% green, and 67.45% blue. Its CMYK values are 0.88, 0.96, 0.00, 0.33. This striking blue hue evokes feelings of tranquility, authority, and sophistication, making it a popular choice in various design applications.
The color #1507AC, also known as Ultramarine, presents several accessibility challenges, especially in web design. Due to its dark nature, it requires careful consideration of contrast ratios. When used as a background color, it is essential to pair it with very light text (white or near-white) to ensure readability, meeting WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for color contrast. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Insufficient contrast can make the content difficult or impossible to read for users with visual impairments. Additionally, avoid using this color as the sole indicator for interactive elements like links or buttons, as colorblind users might miss them. Providing alternative cues, such as underlines or icons, can significantly improve accessibility. When incorporating this color into user interface elements, test its visibility with various color blindness simulators to ensure a positive user experience for everyone.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4169e1
A lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast for text and other elements, improving readability and overall accessibility.
- #808080
A neutral gray that can be used as a background or text color, offering a more subtle and accessible alternative.
- #3f51b5
A slightly desaturated ultramarine still retains the essence of blue while being more accessible.
Applications
Web Design Accents
Ultramarine can be used as a bold accent color in website designs to draw attention to specific elements. It's particularly effective in headers, call-to-action buttons, and navigation menus. However, due to its intensity, it should be used sparingly to avoid overwhelming the user. Balancing it with lighter, more neutral colors will enhance the overall aesthetic appeal and ensure readability. Using ultramarine in icons and illustrations can also add a touch of sophistication and visual interest, provided that sufficient contrast is maintained with the background.
Beauty and Fashion
In the realm of beauty and fashion, ultramarine, with its rich and vibrant hue, is often used to create striking and unforgettable looks. It can be seen in eyeshadows, eyeliners, and mascaras, adding depth and intensity to the eyes. In fashion, it can be incorporated into statement pieces like dresses, jackets, or accessories. Given its boldness, it pairs well with neutral colors or complementary shades. Furthermore, ultramarine is a popular choice for nail polish, providing a sophisticated and eye-catching finish. When used effectively, ultramarine elevates any look, adding a touch of elegance and drama.
Interior Design Accents
Ultramarine can bring a sense of depth and sophistication to interior design. While using it for entire walls might be overwhelming, it works exceptionally well as an accent color. Consider incorporating it into decorative pillows, artwork, or statement furniture pieces. It pairs beautifully with lighter neutrals like cream, white, and gray, as well as natural materials like wood and stone. It can also be used to create a focal point in a room, such as a feature wall or a striking piece of furniture. The key is to use it judiciously and balance it with other colors and textures to create a harmonious and inviting space.