Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #1B159F, is a deep, saturated blue color. Historically, ultramarine was derived from the rare and expensive mineral lapis lazuli, making it a pigment highly prized by artists. Today, synthetic ultramarine is widely available, offering a more accessible alternative. In color theory, ultramarine is considered a cool color, often associated with feelings of calmness, stability, and intelligence. Its deep hue can evoke a sense of sophistication and formality. The color is mostly seen in corporate identity design or luxury brand design. Its RGB values are R:27, G:21, and B:159, indicating a strong dominance of blue. The name “ultramarine” literally means “beyond the sea,” reflecting its origin from across the sea from Europe.
The hex color #1B159F, also known as Ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges due to its dark and saturated nature. When used as a background color, it requires very light text to ensure sufficient contrast for readability, especially for users with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between the text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Ultramarine may struggle to meet these ratios with many common text colors, necessitating careful selection and testing. Designers should use contrast checking tools to verify compliance and consider providing alternative color schemes to enhance accessibility for all users. Furthermore, relying solely on color to convey information should be avoided, and supplementary cues such as text labels or icons should be included to ensure that content remains accessible to individuals who are colorblind or have other visual limitations.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Ultramarine can be used to create a sense of depth and sophistication. It's well-suited for backgrounds in headers or footers, accent colors for buttons or links, and as a primary color in minimalist designs. However, careful consideration must be given to the contrast ratio with text and other elements to ensure accessibility and readability. For example, pairing it with a bright white or light yellow can create a striking and accessible design. Using it in smaller doses, such as for icons or highlights, can also add visual interest without overwhelming the user. It can be combined with flat design principles for a modern design.
Fashion, Beauty and Interiour
In the fashion industry, Ultramarine can be used for garments that want to exhibit luxury. Imagine a velvet dress in the shade of Ultramarine. The deep blue with the lush fabric can give an expression of elegancy. It can also be used as an accent color for scarfs, bags, jewelry or shoes. Another area is the beauty sector: Lipsticks and eye shadows can embrace the ultramarine color to give consumers a choice of colors that signal style and a statement. In interior design, Ultramarine can be applied for pillows or decoration to give a room a luxurious touch.
Data Visualization
In data visualization, Ultramarine can be employed to highlight specific data points or categories. Its distinct hue allows it to stand out from other colors on a chart or graph, drawing the viewer's attention to key information. However, it's important to use it sparingly and in conjunction with other colors that are visually distinct to ensure that the visualization remains accessible to individuals with color vision deficiencies. It can be combined with lighter shades of blue or complementary colors to create a visually appealing and informative display.