Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
The color #180BA9, also known as Ultramarine, is a deep, vibrant blue color. It falls under the category of blue hues, known for their association with tranquility, stability, and depth. Ultramarine has a rich history, originally derived from the precious mineral lapis lazuli. In art, it was highly prized for its brilliance and permanence, often reserved for depicting important figures or religious subjects. Today, synthetic pigments provide more affordable alternatives, but the color's captivating allure remains undiminished. Its hexadecimal code #180BA9 represents its composition in the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color model, where red is at 18, green is at 0B, and blue is at A9. This color is often associated with trust and loyalty. It's not the most accessible color, as it may be hard to see for people with visual impairments.
The hex color #180BA9, also known as Ultramarine, presents some accessibility challenges, especially when it comes to text and background contrast. When used as a background, it requires light-colored text to ensure readability. Conversely, if used as text, it needs a light background. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Ultramarine might struggle to meet these ratios with darker shades of text. Therefore, it's crucial to perform contrast checks using online tools or accessibility evaluation software. When pairing Ultramarine with other colors, consider incorporating lighter tints or shades of neutral colors like white, light gray, or pale yellow to improve accessibility and visual appeal. Avoid combining it with colors that are too similar in luminance, as this can cause visual strain and make content difficult to perceive for users with visual impairments.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Ultramarine can be used as a primary color for branding elements, such as logos, headers, and call-to-action buttons. Its bold and vibrant nature makes it ideal for drawing attention to important interactive elements. However, due to accessibility concerns, it is crucial to ensure sufficient contrast with text and other visual elements. To address this, consider using Ultramarine sparingly, perhaps as an accent color, or pairing it with lighter, more neutral backgrounds. For example, Ultramarine buttons could be set against a white or very light gray background, with white or very light yellow text to maintain high readability. Additionally, implementing hover states with slightly lighter or darker shades of Ultramarine can provide visual feedback to users, enhancing the overall user experience.
Fashion and Interiour Design
In fashion, Ultramarine can be incorporated into various garments and accessories. It can be used in dresses, shirts, scarves, and even jewelry. Due to its intensity, it often works best as an accent color, such as in trims, patterns, or embellishments. In interior design, Ultramarine can be used as an accent color in furniture, wall art, or decorative pillows. It can be used in artwork to create striking and memorable visuals. It should be used sparingly to avoid overwhelming the space.
Beauty and Cosmetics
Ultramarine, with its deep and captivating hue, finds a place in the beauty industry by giving a mysterious and sophisticated accent for makeup. Often used in eyeshadow palettes for creating a dramatic smokey eye or as a liner to define and enhance the eyes. For product packaging, the hex color can communicate luxury and quality, attracting customers with its alluring shade. It can be combined with metallic finishes to create a high-end cosmetic product line.