Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
The color #1B0E8A, also known as Ultramarine, is a deep, vivid blue that historically has been prized for its rich pigmentation and association with luxury. Derived from the Latin 'ultramarinus', meaning 'beyond the sea', it was originally made from the semi-precious stone lapis lazuli, imported from mines in Afghanistan. Because of the complicated production process, during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, ultramarine was more expensive than gold and primarily used for the robes of biblical characters. Today, synthetic ultramarine is readily available. In the RGB color model, it consists of 10.6% red, 5.5% green, and 54.1% blue. Ultramarine is known for its captivating depth and is often associated with royalty, intellect, and introspection.
The color #1B0E8A, a deep ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its low luminance value of approximately 3% means that it offers very little contrast when paired with similarly dark colors. This poses issues for readability when used for text or interactive elements like buttons. To ensure inclusivity, it's crucial to use #1B0E8A with light-colored backgrounds (e.g., white or very pale yellow) to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) contrast ratio requirements of at least 4.5:1 for standard text and 3:1 for large text. If using this color for interactive elements, ensure sufficient visual cues are provided, such as clear borders or distinct hover states, to aid users who might struggle to perceive the color difference alone. Also avoid using it for conveying critical information without alternative cues, as color blindness affects a significant portion of the population.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Beauty and Cosmetics
Ultramarine's depth and sophistication make it a popular choice in the beauty industry, especially for eye makeup like eyeshadow and eyeliner. Its rich pigment creates a dramatic and alluring effect, enhancing the eyes and adding a touch of mystery. It can be used to create smoky eye looks or as a bold statement color for a more avant-garde style. When used sparingly, it can add depth and dimension to other shades, creating a harmonious and captivating makeup look. Furthermore, it works well for nail polish providing a sophisticated and elegant look.
Fashion Design
In fashion design, ultramarine is often used to evoke feelings of royalty, sophistication, and depth. It can be incorporated into evening gowns, suits, and accessories to add a touch of elegance and refinement. As a primary color, it can be used to create bold and eye-catching statement pieces. Alternatively, ultramarine can be used as an accent color to complement neutral tones or to create a vibrant contrast with warmer hues. Its versatility makes it a valuable asset in creating diverse and captivating fashion collections.
Webdesign
Ultramarine is a color that adds a touch of sophistication and calmness to webdesign. It can be used for backgrounds or design elements. Ultramarine provides a professional and trustworthy look. It is often used in combination with white and grey tones. It can also be used to highlight interactive elements, like buttons.