Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #190A91, is a deep blue-purple hue. Historically, ultramarine was derived from the rare and expensive mineral lapis lazuli, making it a highly valued pigment, especially in Renaissance painting. The name "ultramarine" literally means "beyond the sea," reflecting its origin from overseas sources. In color theory, ultramarine is considered a cool color, associated with depth, stability, and intelligence. In modern applications, synthetic ultramarine pigments provide an affordable alternative while retaining the characteristic vibrant color. It is now widely used in various fields, including art, cosmetics, and plastics, due to its strong tinting strength and lightfastness. It can be combined with other colors to produce different shades.
The color #190A91, Ultramarine, presents accessibility challenges due to its dark hue. When used as a background color, it requires very light text (ideally white or near-white) to ensure sufficient contrast for readability, meeting WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for contrast ratios. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Without adequate contrast, users with visual impairments may struggle to distinguish text from the background. Similarly, when used for text, a light background is essential. Using color contrast tools can help designers verify compliance with accessibility standards, ensuring content is usable by a wider audience. Consider providing alternative color schemes or a user-adjustable contrast setting to enhance accessibility.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
Ultramarine (#190A91) can be used in website design for headers, navigation bars, or as an accent color to draw attention to specific elements. Its deep, rich tone provides a sense of sophistication and can be paired with lighter, complementary colors to create a visually appealing and balanced layout. When using it for interactive elements like buttons, ensure sufficient contrast with text and background for accessibility. It’s a good choice for sites wanting to convey trust and authority. Also, consider it for graphics and illustrations.
Interior Design
In interior design, Ultramarine can serve as a bold accent wall color or be incorporated through decorative elements like cushions, artwork, or rugs. The deep color adds a sense of depth and can make a room feel more intimate and luxurious. It pairs well with metallic accents (gold, silver) and neutral tones. When using it in a room, balance with lighter hues to prevent the space from feeling too dark. Consider natural light sources and ensure there is enough illumination.
Logo Design
Ultramarine can be used in logo design to convey sophistication, authority, and creativity. It's especially effective for brands looking to project an image of trustworthiness and innovation. It can also be used in different gradients to attract the attention. It can be paired with lighter colors or metallic accents to create a premium look. Be mindful of the target audience and ensure the logo is easily recognizable and memorable across different platforms and media.