Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
The hex color #1812A2, also known as Ultramarine, is a deep and rich shade of blue. It belongs to the blue color family and is characterized by its strong and saturated hue. Ultramarine is often associated with qualities such as depth, stability, and tranquility. Historically, ultramarine pigment was derived from the precious stone lapis lazuli, making it highly valued and expensive. In color theory, ultramarine can evoke feelings of calmness, confidence, and creativity. It is versatile and can be used in various contexts, from digital design to fashion. Because of its high intensity, it pairs well with lighter colors to create contrast and visual balance. This hue is not only visually appealing, but also rich in history, making it a compelling choice for many applications.
The color #1812A2, a deep ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its low luminance of 4.65 cd/m² results in poor contrast against typical background colors like white. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for standard text and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular). Ultramarine fails to meet these criteria, making it difficult for users with visual impairments to read text rendered in this color. Therefore, using #1812A2 as a text color is inadvisable. Combining it with lighter shades of yellow, orange, or white to increase contrast could enhance accessibility. Designers must carefully test color combinations with tools like contrast checkers to ensure compliance with accessibility standards and provide a positive user experience for everyone, including those with color vision deficiencies.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast against white backgrounds, enhancing readability.
A more vibrant blue that can be used to draw attention to specific elements on a webpage while maintaining acceptable contrast.
A softer blue, suitable for backgrounds, which ensures good contrast when paired with dark text.
Applications
Educational Website Design
Ultramarine, with its sophisticated and calming presence, serves as an excellent choice for website backgrounds, particularly for educational or institutional websites. Its depth creates a sense of stability and trust, while its inherent coolness can evoke a feeling of peace and tranquility. Moreover, Ultramarine can be applied to buttons and navigation elements, provided that sufficient contrast is ensured with the text, thereby guiding users through the site seamlessly. The color's visual appeal and calming effect contribute to a more pleasant and effective user experience, enhancing engagement and knowledge retention.
Fashion Design
Ultramarine can be used in fashion to create bold and dramatic looks, or it can be incorporated into accessories to add a pop of color. Garments in solid ultramarine exude confidence, sophistication, and creativity, making it perfect for formal wear or statement pieces. Accessories like scarves, bags, or jewelry in ultramarine can enhance an outfit by adding depth and a touch of the unexpected. Whether the goal is to make a strong impression or add elegance to everyday wear, ultramarine adds that extra oomph to the overall look.
Interior Design
Ultramarine inspires tranquility and sophistication, and is ideally suited for spaces such as bedrooms or meditation rooms. It fosters relaxation and invites a serene environment. Walls painted in ultramarine can be paired with white trim and lighter furniture to create a balanced and inviting room. Accents in complementary colors, like gold or yellow, add a touch of luxury and warmth, which will ultimately result in a harmonious and rejuvenating atmosphere.