Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hex code #1A0B86, is a deep, intense blue color with a rich history. Originally derived from the precious mineral lapis lazuli, Ultramarine was highly valued and used extensively in Renaissance paintings. Its name literally means 'beyond the sea,' reflecting its import from distant lands. In modern color theory, Ultramarine is considered a cool color, evoking feelings of calmness and serenity. It belongs to the blue color family and is often associated with royalty, wisdom, and spirituality. The color's unique spectral properties contribute to its distinctive appearance, making it a captivating and timeless choice in art and design.
The hex color #1A0B86, also known as Ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its dark hue results in a low contrast ratio against lighter backgrounds, making text and other elements difficult to read. According to WCAG guidelines, sufficient contrast is crucial for ensuring content is perceivable. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Ultramarine often falls short of these requirements when paired with typical light backgrounds. To improve accessibility, consider using a lighter tint of Ultramarine or pairing it with a much lighter color for text and interactive elements. Always test color combinations with accessibility tools to verify compliance with accessibility standards and ensure a positive user experience for everyone.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast against white backgrounds, enhancing readability and accessibility.
A vibrant purple that offers a modern and eye-catching alternative while maintaining good contrast with light text.
Navy blue, a classic, dark color which ensures very good readability on light backgrounds.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Ultramarine can be used as a primary color for headers and navigation bars to create a bold and sophisticated look. It works well as a background color for sections where you want to highlight specific content. However, it's crucial to use it sparingly and ensure sufficient contrast with text and other elements to maintain readability and accessibility. Complementary colors like light yellows or oranges can be used to create visual interest and balance the overall design. Its deep, rich tone evokes feelings of trust and authority, making it suitable for professional websites.
Beauty
In the beauty industry, Ultramarine's rich pigment makes it a popular choice for eyeshadows and eyeliners, offering a striking and dramatic effect. Its deep blue tone complements various skin tones and eye colors, making it versatile for both everyday and special occasion looks. When used in nail polish, Ultramarine provides a sophisticated and elegant touch. However, due to its intensity, it's often combined with other colors or used as an accent to create balanced and harmonious makeup looks. Always ensure that beauty products are safe for skin and eyes.
Fashion
In fashion, Ultramarine can be incorporated into clothing and accessories to add a touch of elegance and sophistication. A dress in Ultramarine can be a statement piece, while accessories like scarves or handbags can add a pop of color to a neutral outfit. When pairing Ultramarine with other colors, consider using complementary shades like mustard yellow or coral to create a visually appealing contrast. Its rich and luxurious feel makes it suitable for both formal and casual wear, depending on the design and fabric used. Balance is key to using it in apparel.