Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #1B0497, is a deep, vivid blue color with a hint of purple. Historically, Ultramarine was derived from the precious stone lapis lazuli, making it one of the most expensive and highly prized pigments during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Its name literally means "beyond the sea," referring to its origin from overseas. Today, synthetic versions are widely available, making it more accessible for various applications. In color psychology, Ultramarine is associated with intelligence, trust, loyalty, and confidence. It's often used in branding and design to convey a sense of authority and stability. The color is visually striking and can evoke feelings of calmness and serenity, but it's also perceived as serious and formal. Its spectral reflectance is centered around the blue wavelengths, contributing to its characteristic deep hue.
The hex color #1B0497, also known as Ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When used as a background color, text needs to be very light (ideally white or near-white) to achieve sufficient contrast for readability, meeting WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards. Using darker text colors against this background will likely result in very poor readability, making the content inaccessible to users with visual impairments. Similarly, if #1B0497 is used as a text color, the background needs to be a very light color. Ensure that the contrast ratio is at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text to comply with accessibility standards. Careful consideration should also be given to users with color vision deficiencies, as the perception of this color can vary. It's crucial to test the color combination using accessibility tools to ensure it meets the necessary contrast requirements for a wide range of users.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
Ultramarine (#1B0497) can be used to create a sophisticated and luxurious feel in website designs. It's well-suited for industries such as finance, technology, or high-end retail, where a sense of trust, intelligence, and innovation is desired. As background for headers it can create a bold statement or as an accent color to highlight key elements. However, careful consideration should be given to the font color used, always favoring a light color in order to provide good readability and thus ensure excellent accessibility. Due to its dark nature, it should not be used as the main background color for text-heavy pages.
Fashion and Beauty
Ultramarine, with its rich and vibrant nature, is often found in eye shadows, eyeliners, and mascaras, providing a bold and captivating look. The color evokes a sense of elegance and mystery, making it ideal for evening wear and special occasions. It is frequently paired with neutral tones to create a balanced aesthetic. In the fashion industry, this color is often used in evening gowns, formal wear, and statement pieces to add a touch of glamour and sophistication. Accessories in this color can be incorporated into outfits for a striking pop of color.
Interior Design
Ultramarine can bring a sense of depth and sophistication to interior spaces, often employed to accent walls or introduce luxurious textiles. It is particularly effective in studies, libraries, or bedrooms. Use it sparingly to prevent the space from feeling too dark or overwhelming. Combine with lighter, neutral colors to balance the bold tone and create a harmonious environment. Ultramarine evokes feelings of tranquility and sophistication, making it suitable for sophisticated home decor themes.