Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
The hex color #1A019A, also known as Ultramarine, is a deep, rich shade of blue with a slight purple undertone. It is composed of 10.2% red, 0.4% green, and 60.4% blue. In the RGB color space, it is represented as (26, 1, 154). Ultramarine's historical significance stems from its original creation using lapis lazuli, a rare and expensive gemstone. This made it a highly prized pigment, especially during the Renaissance. Today, synthetic versions offer accessibility and affordability, but the name retains its association with luxury and artistic mastery. The color evokes feelings of calmness, depth, and sophistication. It finds applications in diverse fields, from art and design to branding and fashion, owing to its visual impact and symbolic associations.
The hex color #1A019A, a deep shade of Ultramarine, presents some accessibility challenges in web design. Its low lightness value (approximately 6%) means that text rendered in this color will require very light foreground colors to ensure sufficient contrast for readability. According to WCAG guidelines, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Using a color like white (#FFFFFF) or a very light shade of yellow or gray can help meet these requirements. It's crucial to test color combinations using accessibility tools to verify compliance, especially for users with visual impairments. Avoid pairing #1A019A with darker colors, as this will create insufficient contrast, making it difficult for many users to read or interact with the content effectively. Consider using it for larger elements or as an accent color rather than for primary text.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
UI Design
In user interface design, #1A019A can be used to highlight primary calls to action. Given its dark nature, the color is not suited as a text color. But when used as a background color for a button, combined with white text, it can draw the user's eye. It's important to consider accessibility here and ensure the contrast ratio meets the guidelines. Another application could be navigation bars or sidebars, where the color helps to differentiate sections on a website or application. The strong hue can convey a sense of sophistication and trustworthiness when applied appropriately.
Fashion
In fashion, Ultramarine (#1A019A) can be used as a statement color in evening wear or formal attire. It pairs well with metallic accents like silver or gold to create a luxurious look. Accessorizing with lighter colors such as lavender or light gray can provide a balanced contrast. A single garment in #1A019A, like a dress or suit, can be the focal point of an outfit, while other elements are kept neutral. Consider this color for accessories like scarves or handbags to add a pop of depth to a simpler ensemble.
Presentations & Infographics
Ultramarine, similar to #1A019A, can serve as a background in presentation slides or infographics, providing a sophisticated backdrop that emphasizes the content. When using this color, opt for light-colored text and simple graphics for optimal readability. Too many visuals and too much text will make the presentation appear crowded. Therefore it is important to keep it minimalistic. The best way to achieve that is using more white space and limit text and visuals to their minimum.