Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine (#1D03B1)
The color #1D03B1, also known as Ultramarine, is a deep, vivid shade of blue. It is composed of 11.4% red, 1.2% green, and 69.4% blue. Ultramarine is a historical pigment derived from the gemstone lapis lazuli, making it a prized color in art for centuries. Its name, derived from Latin, means "beyond the sea," reflecting its origin from minerals imported into Europe from Asia. In the RGB color model, #1D03B1 consists of 11.4% red, 1.2% green and 69.4% blue. In the CMYK color space, it is composed of 83.5% cyan, 98.3% magenta, 0% yellow and 30.6% black. This color has a wavelength of approximately 467.28 nm. Today, synthetic ultramarine is widely available, offering the same brilliant hue at a more accessible price. Ultramarine blue is known for its intense, non-fading color and is used in a variety of applications, including paints, plastics, and cosmetics.
The hex color #1D03B1, also known as Ultramarine, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly in text applications. Its dark hue necessitates careful consideration of color contrast ratios. When used as a text color, it demands a light background to ensure readability for individuals with visual impairments. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text (14pt bold or 18pt regular) to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) AA standards. Using a color contrast checker is crucial to verify compliance. Avoid pairing it with other dark colors, as this will render content inaccessible. As a background color, #1D03B1 should be used sparingly, as large blocks of dark colors can cause eye strain. Employing lighter colors for foreground elements is essential. When using it for decorative purposes, consider its impact on users with cognitive disabilities, ensuring that it does not interfere with focus or comprehension. Providing alternative color schemes allows users to customize their experience based on individual preferences and needs.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A lighter shade that improves readability when used as text or background.
A softer tone, suitable for backgrounds or decorative elements, providing a less intense visual experience.
More vibrant, and works well as an accent color or for highlighting specific UI elements without overwhelming the user.
Applications
Web Design
Ultramarine can be used to create a sophisticated and modern user interface. Its deep and rich color can be applied to navigation bars, headers, and buttons, providing a sense of depth and elegance. When combined with lighter shades, it enhances the visual hierarchy and improves the user experience. Using it sparingly as an accent color can draw attention to key elements and guide users through the interface. Furthermore, it is suited for data visualization, helping in differentiate charts and graphs. In combination with a white or very light background color, it provides good contrast and enables readability.
Fashion and Beauty
Ultramarine is often featured in high-fashion designs, particularly for evening wear and statement pieces. Its striking hue conveys elegance and sophistication, making it a popular choice for designers looking to create bold and memorable looks. It is used in garments such as dresses, suits, and accessories, and stands out when paired with metallic or neutral tones. In the world of beauty, it is used in eye shadows, eyeliners, and nail polishes, to create a bold look that attracts attention and expresses creativity.
Interior Design
In interior design, ultramarine can be incorporated as an accent color to add depth and drama to a space. It works well in living rooms, bedrooms, or studies, where it can be used on walls, furniture, or decorative accessories. A dark blue wall combined with contrasting light-colored furniture can create a refined atmosphere. Ultramarine can also be used to highlight architectural details, adding character and personality to a room. When combined with metallic tones such as gold or silver, it creates a sense of luxury and sophistication.