Ultramarine

General Information

Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #160AAA, is a deep, vivid shade of blue historically derived from the gemstone lapis lazuli. Its name, literally meaning "beyond the sea," reflects its origin as a pigment imported to Europe from Asia. Renowned for its exceptional brilliance and permanence, ultramarine has been highly valued by artists since the Middle Ages, playing a prominent role in iconic works of art. Chemically, ultramarine is a complex sodium aluminosilicate containing sulfur, which contributes to its intense blue hue. In modern applications, synthetic ultramarine is widely produced, offering a more affordable and readily available alternative to the natural pigment while retaining its characteristic color properties. It continues to be used in paints, cosmetics, plastics, and various other industries where a vibrant and stable blue color is desired.

The color #160aaa, a deep shade of ultramarine, presents certain accessibility challenges, particularly in text-based applications. Its low luminance value of 0.107 makes it difficult to achieve sufficient contrast against lighter backgrounds, potentially hindering readability for individuals with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text. Using #160aaa as text color on a white or light background will likely fall short of these recommendations. To enhance accessibility, consider pairing it with a much lighter color for text or using it sparingly for decorative elements. A darker background may improve the contrast ratio, but careful evaluation is still necessary. Using tools like contrast checkers can help ensure compliance with accessibility standards and provide a better experience for all users.

Shades

Digital Color Formats

Alternative colors

Applications

• Web Design

  Ultramarine, with its rich and profound hue, is often employed in website designs to evoke feelings of trust, stability, and professionalism, making it suitable for businesses in the finance, technology, and healthcare sectors. It can be effectively used for headings, call-to-action buttons, and navigational elements to draw attention and guide users through the site. However, it's essential to ensure adequate contrast with the background color to meet accessibility standards. Also it can be used as a secondary color to add depth and visual interest without overwhelming the user interface.

• Interior Design

  In the realm of interior design, ultramarine can serve as a striking accent color to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to living spaces. It can be incorporated through artwork, throw pillows, rugs, or statement furniture pieces. When used sparingly, it can create a focal point and inject personality into a room. To balance its intensity, consider pairing it with neutral tones like white, gray, or beige. Proper lighting is crucial to enhance the color's depth and prevent it from appearing too dark or overwhelming in smaller spaces.

• Fashion

  Ultramarine, reminiscent of the deep sea, finds its place in fashion, often used to create sophisticated and elegant looks. It can be seen in evening gowns, tailored suits, and statement accessories. This color pairs well with metallic tones such as gold and silver, as well as neutral colors like black, white, and gray. For a more casual look, it can be combined with denim or khaki. As an accent color, it can be incorporated into scarves, handbags, and shoes. The choice of fabric can also affect the overall appearance of ultramarine; velvet and silk enhance its richness, while cotton and linen offer a more relaxed feel.

Complementary color

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