Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #1A0E99, is a deep, vivid shade of blue. It is named after the pigment derived from lapis lazuli, a semi-precious stone that was historically ground into powder and used as a vibrant blue pigment. The color is often associated with royalty, depth, and tranquility. In the RGB color model, Ultramarine is composed of 10.2% red, 5.5% green, and 60% blue. Its CMYK values are 83% cyan, 91% magenta, 0% yellow, and 40% black. This color falls under the category of cool colors, evoking feelings of calmness and stability. Ultramarine is frequently employed in art, design, and branding to convey a sense of sophistication and trust.
The hex color #1A0E99, Ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its low luminance value of 3 means that text rendered in this color against a white background fails WCAG AAA standards for contrast ratio, scoring only 1.98:1. This low contrast can make it difficult for users to distinguish text from the background, leading to a poor user experience. To improve accessibility, consider using Ultramarine sparingly for purely decorative elements or pairing it with much lighter text or background colors that significantly increase the contrast ratio. Alternatively, adjusting the color to a lighter shade of blue would improve readability and accessibility.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #4169e1
A lighter, more accessible blue that still evokes a sense of depth.
- #007bff
A vibrant alternative that provides better contrast for text.
- #6495ed
This color is a softer blue tone that can be used in designs to create a calming effect, while still providing enough contrast against light backgrounds.
Applications
Web and UI Design
In web design, Ultramarine can serve as an accent color for buttons or headers, provided sufficient contrast is ensured. For example, use it sparingly against a white or very light gray background. In UI design, it could represent a secondary action or a less emphasized element. It's also suitable for data visualization, where different shades of blue represent varying data ranges. Because of its calming effect it can be used as a background color for meditation apps.
Beauty and Fashion
In the beauty industry, Ultramarine can be incorporated into eyeshadow palettes to create dramatic and smoky eye looks. It can also be used as a hair dye for bold and vibrant styles. Because of its bright shade, it can be used for nail polish, especially during parties. In fashion, Ultramarine can be used as a striking color for statement pieces such as dresses, jackets, or accessories. However, it’s less commonly used for everyday wear due to its intensity.
Interior and Graphic Design
Ultramarine can be used in interior design as an accent color in rooms, adding depth and a touch of luxury. It can be used on accent walls, decorative pillows, or statement furniture pieces. When paired with neutral colors such as white, gray, or beige, Ultramarine can create a sophisticated and visually appealing space. In creative fields, Ultramarine can be used in graphic design, digital art, and illustration. It is suitable for creating striking visuals, branding materials, and artistic compositions.