Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #18169E, is a deep blue pigment originally derived from the mineral lapis lazuli. Historically, it was highly prized for its intense color and was even more expensive than gold during the Renaissance. Today, synthetic ultramarine is widely available, making it a more accessible color for various applications. In the RGB color model, #18169E is composed of 9.41% red, 8.63% green, and 62.35% blue. Its CMYK representation is 0.85, 0.86, 0.00, 0.38. Ultramarine is often associated with royalty, wisdom, and spirituality due to its rich history and captivating hue. Its intense saturation also contributes to its visual impact and makes it suitable for creating striking and memorable designs.
The hex color #18169E, Ultramarine, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly when used as a background or text color. Due to its deep, saturated nature, it may not provide sufficient contrast with lighter text colors, potentially making content difficult to read for users with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. When pairing #18169E with text, it's crucial to test the contrast ratio using accessibility tools to ensure compliance. Lighter shades of yellow, orange, or white are generally recommended for text on this background to achieve sufficient contrast. In user interface design, avoid using this color for crucial interactive elements without careful consideration of contrast and legibility. Consider providing alternative color schemes to enhance accessibility.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #3f3a93
A slightly lighter shade that maintains the essence of Ultramarine but offers better contrast when paired with dark text.
- #484682
A muted variant that reduces the intensity, making it more suitable for backgrounds and large areas without being overwhelming.
- #7775b3
A softer, more pastel version that can be used for a calming and less visually intense effect, suitable for backgrounds or subtle accents.
Applications
Web Design Accent
In web design, Ultramarine can be used as a bold accent color to highlight important sections or calls to action. Its vibrant nature draws the user's eye, making it effective for buttons, banners, or key information blocks. However, it should be used sparingly to avoid overwhelming the user interface. It can also be implemented in website headers or footers, provided there is sufficient contrast with the text and other elements. When used strategically, Ultramarine can add a touch of sophistication and modernity to a website's visual identity, reinforcing brand recognition and improving user experience.
Fashion Design
In the fashion industry, Ultramarine is a striking choice for evening wear and statement pieces. Its deep hue exudes confidence and sophistication, making it a popular choice for dresses, suits, and accessories. It pairs well with metallic accents like gold or silver, as well as complementary colors like yellow or orange. Ultramarine can also be used in casual wear, such as sweaters or jeans, to add a pop of color to everyday outfits. Its versatility makes it a valuable color in a designer's palette, capable of creating both elegant and edgy looks.
Interior Design Accent
Ultramarine can be used to create depth and drama in interior spaces. It is most effective as an accent color, such as on a feature wall, in artwork, or in soft furnishings like cushions and throws. When paired with neutral colors like white, gray, or beige, it can add a touch of sophistication and luxury to a room. However, it's essential to use it sparingly, as too much Ultramarine can make a space feel dark and overwhelming. It can also be incorporated in smaller decorative items, such as vases, lamps, or picture frames, to add subtle pops of color throughout the room. The rich hue also brings a sense of calm and tranquility to interior spaces.