Ultramarine

General Information about Ultramarine

Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #1A1399, is a deep, rich blue color with a long and fascinating history. The name 'Ultramarine' literally means 'beyond the sea,' derived from the Latin 'ultramarinus,' as the pigment was originally imported into Europe from mines in Afghanistan via sea routes. Traditionally, Ultramarine was made by grinding lapis lazuli, a rare and expensive gemstone, making it highly valued and often reserved for depicting important figures, such as the Virgin Mary, in religious paintings. Today, synthetic Ultramarine is widely available, providing a more affordable and accessible alternative while retaining the original pigment's characteristic deep blue hue. Its unique color properties make it a popular choice across various applications, from art and design to fashion and technology.

The hex color #1A1399, also known as Ultramarine, presents specific accessibility considerations, particularly in web design. Due to its dark hue, it is crucial to ensure sufficient contrast when used as text or background color. A light color, such as white or a very pale yellow, is recommended for text overlaid on an Ultramarine background to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for readability. Conversely, when Ultramarine is used for text, a light background is essential. Insufficient contrast can result in a poor user experience, especially for individuals with visual impairments. Tools like contrast checkers are vital for assessing and ensuring optimal color combinations. Careful application of color theory and accessibility principles will allow designers to effectively use Ultramarine while maintaining inclusive design practices, making content accessible to the widest possible audience.

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Digital Color Formats

Alternative colors

Applications

• Website Design

  Ultramarine, with its deep and rich hue, lends itself well to creating sophisticated and calming website designs. Its strong presence works effectively in headers, footers, or as a background for specific content blocks, providing a visual anchor and enhancing the overall structure of the page. Paired with lighter accent colors, such as a soft yellow or a light gray, it can create a balanced and visually appealing layout that draws the user's eye to important elements. This color is also suitable for interactive elements like buttons and links, especially when used with hover effects that slightly lighten the shade, further improving user experience.

• Interior Design

  In the realm of interior design, Ultramarine can be used to create a sense of depth and luxury within a space. It works exceptionally well as an accent color in living rooms or bedrooms, either as a wall color, in textiles like cushions and throws, or in decorative items such as vases and artwork. The richness of Ultramarine pairs beautifully with metallic accents, like gold or brass, adding a touch of elegance. Balance the intensity of Ultramarine with neutral colors such as creams, whites, or light grays to create a harmonious and inviting atmosphere.

• Fashion

  Ultramarine is a striking and versatile color in the world of fashion. This deep blue can be used for both statement pieces and subtle accents. A flowing Ultramarine dress can evoke a sense of elegance and sophistication, while an Ultramarine blazer can add a pop of color to a more professional outfit. It pairs well with neutral tones like beige, gray, and black, allowing the blue to stand out, but can also be used in color-blocking schemes with complementary colors like yellow or orange for a bolder look. Accessories such as scarves, handbags, or jewelry in Ultramarine can also add a touch of refinement to any ensemble.

Complementary color

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