Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #1C13A1, is a deep and vibrant shade of blue. It historically derives its name from the pigment originally made from lapis lazuli, a rare and precious stone sourced from beyond the sea ('ultra marinus' in Latin). This color is characterized by its strong blue hue with a slight hint of violet, contributing to its rich and intense appearance. In the RGB color model, #1C13A1 consists of 11% red, 7.5% green, and 63.1% blue. Its use in art dates back centuries, where it was highly valued for its brilliance and permanence. Today, Ultramarine continues to be a popular choice in various applications, including graphic design, web development, fashion, and interior decoration, valued for its association with depth, sophistication, and creativity. Its CMYK values are Cyan: 79%, Magenta: 88%, Yellow: 0%, Black: 37%.
The color #1C13A1, also known as Ultramarine, presents several accessibility considerations, particularly in web design. Due to its deep, saturated hue, it's crucial to ensure sufficient contrast when used as a background or text color. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text to meet AA compliance. Ultramarine may not automatically meet these requirements when paired with lighter shades of gray or certain pastel colors. Using a color contrast checker is essential to verify compliance. Furthermore, avoid relying solely on color to convey important information, as users with color vision deficiencies may not be able to distinguish it. Supplement color cues with text labels, icons, or patterns to ensure inclusivity. For interactive elements like buttons or links, provide distinct visual cues such as changes in color or state on hover or focus to enhance usability for all users, including those with disabilities.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade of blue that provides better contrast against white backgrounds, making it suitable for text.
A more muted blue that can be used as a background color without overwhelming other elements on the page.
For situations where you need an even higher contrast, this dark purple-blue is a strong option.
Applications
Brand Identity for Tech Companies
Ultramarine can serve as a primary brand color, particularly for technology companies or institutions aiming to project trustworthiness and sophistication. Its depth and richness convey a sense of stability and intellectual prowess. In website design, use it sparingly for headings, key call-to-action buttons, and navigational elements to draw attention without overwhelming the user. Consider pairing it with complementary colors like yellows or oranges to create visual balance and contrast. Also, using it for data visualization (charts and graphs) to clearly distinguish data sets.
Accent Color in Interior Design
In interior design, Ultramarine can be used as an accent color to add a touch of drama and elegance to a room. It works well in living rooms or studies, where a sense of calm and focus is desired. Consider using it on accent walls, decorative pillows, or artwork to create a focal point. Pair it with neutral colors like gray or beige to balance its intensity. Its richness gives the design a luxurious and sophisticated feeling.
Fashion and Beauty
Ultramarine is a sophisticated and eye-catching color choice for evening wear or formal attire. A dress or suit in this hue exudes confidence and style. It can be paired with metallic accessories like gold or silver to enhance its richness. It also can be used in eye shadows and eyeliners to create looks that are bold and striking, especially when complemented with neutral lip colors and carefully sculpted cheekbones.