Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #17098F, is a deep and intense shade of blue. Historically, Ultramarine was derived from the precious gemstone lapis lazuli, making it a highly valued pigment, especially in Renaissance painting. The name 'Ultramarine' literally means 'beyond the sea,' reflecting its origin from stones imported into Europe from Asia. Today, synthetic versions of Ultramarine are readily available, but the color still retains its association with richness and sophistication. In color psychology, Ultramarine blue often symbolizes trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven. It's a color that can evoke feelings of calmness and serenity, as well as power and authority. The RGB values for Ultramarine are R:23, G:9, B:143.
The color #17098F, also known as Ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly in web design. Its dark hue results in very low contrast against typical light backgrounds (such as white). This low contrast makes it difficult for users with visual impairments, including those with low vision or color blindness, to read text or distinguish elements using this color. To ensure accessibility, it's crucial to pair Ultramarine with very light colors, like white (#FFFFFF) or a pale yellow, to achieve a contrast ratio that meets WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards, ideally a ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Using it for decorative elements or backgrounds is acceptable if it doesn't interfere with readability. Consider using accessibility evaluation tools to verify contrast ratios and simulate how the color appears to users with different types of color blindness. Avoid using it for crucial information that needs to be universally accessible.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
Ultramarine, with its rich and deep hue, evokes feelings of sophistication, mystery, and the vastness of the ocean. In web design, this color can be used to create a sense of elegance and authority, making it suitable for websites related to finance, technology, or luxury brands. It can be used for headings, accents, or background elements to draw attention and convey a sense of stability. However, due to its darkness, it should be paired with lighter text colors to ensure readability and accessibility, and it should be used sparingly to avoid overwhelming the user. Overall it can be used for backgrounds on websites relating to the navy or even education pages.
Interior Design
In interior design, Ultramarine can be used to add a touch of drama and sophistication to a space. It works well as an accent color in living rooms, bedrooms, or studies, and it can be paired with neutral tones like white, gray, or beige to create a balanced and harmonious look. Ultramarine can be used on walls, furniture, or accessories such as cushions, curtains, or rugs to add depth and visual interest. It will create the feeling of the ocean if used in a room dedicated to relaxing.
Fashion
In fashion, Ultramarine is a bold and versatile color that can be worn in a variety of ways. It can be used as a statement color for dresses, suits, or outerwear, or it can be used as an accent color in accessories such as scarves, bags, or shoes. Ultramarine pairs well with other colors such as white, black, gray, or gold, and it can be worn in both casual and formal settings. In the summer it can be worn for a trip to the beach to represent the ocean or sea.