Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine (#1A0EA6)
The hex color #1A0EA6, also known as Ultramarine, is a deep, saturated blue-violet color. It belongs to the blue color family and has a relatively low lightness value, which means it appears quite dark. In the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color model, #1A0EA6 is composed of 10.2% red, 5.5% green, and 65.1% blue. In the CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) color model, it is made up of 84% cyan, 92% magenta, 0% yellow, and 35% black. Ultramarine is associated with feelings of trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven. Due to its intensity, it's often used sparingly as an accent color to draw attention or create a sense of sophistication. The name “Ultramarine” comes from the Latin “ultramarinus,” meaning “beyond the sea,” as the pigment was originally imported from Asia.
The color #1A0EA6, also known as Ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its low lightness value (around 6%) results in very poor contrast against standard white backgrounds, failing all WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) contrast ratio success criteria. This means that text or interactive elements using this color on a white background would be extremely difficult to read for users with visual impairments, including those with low vision or color blindness. To improve accessibility, consider using a much lighter color for the background, such as whites, light grays, or very pale yellows. Alternatively, using #1A0EA6 for background elements with white or very light-colored text can improve readability. The use of proper ARIA attributes and semantic HTML is also highly recommended to improve the user experience for assistive technologies.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast against white backgrounds, making it more accessible for users with visual impairments.
A neutral gray can be used as a background color with #1A0EA6 text to increase readability and meet accessibility standards.
A brighter blue-violet that provides a similar aesthetic but with improved visibility.
Applications
Website Headers and Footers
Ultramarine (#1A0EA6) can be effectively used in website headers and footers to create a strong visual impact. Its deep blue hue evokes feelings of trust and stability, making it suitable for businesses in finance, technology, or education. When using Ultramarine in these areas, ensure that the text and interactive elements have sufficient contrast by using white or light-colored fonts. This can enhance readability and user experience. For example, a company logo or key navigation links can stand out against an Ultramarine background, guiding visitors effectively.
Fashion Accents
In fashion, Ultramarine can be used as an accent color in clothing and accessories. A small clutch with #1A0EA6 can add elegance to the little black dress. The richness and depth of the color can make it a good choice for evening wear, where it can provide a sophisticated look. Use of the color must be minimal however, since too much of it can look overwhelming. When incorporating this color into outfits, pair it with neutral colors such as black, white, gray, and beige to allow it to stand out without overwhelming the overall look. Consider using Ultramarine for accessories like scarves, hats, or jewelry to add a pop of color.
Infographics and Data Visualization
Ultramarine is often applied in graphic design for infographics. The color may be used for call to action buttons, or highlighted text. It can also be used in charts and diagrams to highlight key data points, with the goal of enhancing the visual appeal. Ultramarine can give infographics a professional and trustworthy feel, helping to engage viewers and convey information effectively. When using Ultramarine in infographics, ensure the color complements the other colors to avoid visual clutter.