Ultramarine

General Information about Ultramarine (#170593)

The color #170593, also known as Ultramarine, is a deep shade of blue situated in the darker end of the color spectrum. Ultramarine is historically derived from the pigment lapis lazuli, a semi-precious stone. The name "ultramarine" literally means "beyond the sea," referring to the fact that the pigment was originally imported to Europe from Asia. In color theory, ultramarine is associated with depth, stability, and trust. It's often used to convey a sense of authority and sophistication. In digital contexts, it's essential to consider contrast ratios when using this color, especially for text, to ensure readability and accessibility, often pairing it with lighter shades to create balance.

The hex color #170593, a deep ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in web design. Its very low lightness value means that text rendered in this color on a white background, or vice versa, will likely fail WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) contrast ratio requirements. To ensure inclusivity, web developers should avoid using this color for text or interactive elements unless paired with a very light color that provides a sufficient contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Careful consideration of color combinations is crucial to meet the needs of users with visual impairments. Using tools like contrast checkers is highly recommended to validate the accessibility of color pairings with #170593.

Shades

Digital Color Formats

Alternative colors

Applications

• Corporate Branding

  In branding, ultramarine (#170593) can evoke feelings of trust, stability, and sophistication. It's well-suited for financial institutions, tech companies, or educational organizations seeking to project a reliable and knowledgeable image. When incorporating this color into a brand identity, it's essential to balance it with lighter hues to avoid an overly somber or imposing feel. Consider using it sparingly as an accent color or pairing it with complementary colors to create a visually appealing and balanced brand palette.

• Web Design Background

  Ultramarine (#170593) can be utilized as a background color for website headers or footers. Given its dark nature, ensure all text and interactive elements placed on it are light in color to maintain readability and accessibility. This color can create a sense of depth and professionalism on a website. The dark blue works well to create a modern and professional looking website, as long as enough white space is used. Use this as a primary color of your website to achieve trust from your visitors.

• Fashion Design

  In fashion design, ultramarine (#170593) can add a touch of elegance and mystery to garments. It can be used for evening wear, formal suits, or statement pieces. When incorporating this color into an outfit, consider balancing it with neutral tones or lighter shades of blue to create a harmonious look. For example, an ultramarine dress can be paired with silver accessories for a sophisticated ensemble. This color is best used for items where quality is important.

Complementary color

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