Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #1D0BA9, is a deep and intense shade of blue. Historically, ultramarine was a highly prized pigment made from lapis lazuli, a rare and expensive mineral. This made it a color reserved for the wealthy and often associated with royalty and religious figures. In modern color theory, ultramarine is considered a cool color, evoking feelings of tranquility, stability, and authority. It is often used in branding and design to convey trust and professionalism. Ultramarine sits between blue and violet on the color wheel, and its unique hue makes it a versatile color for various applications. While synthetic ultramarine is now widely available, the name still carries a sense of luxury and historical significance.
The color #1D0BA9, a deep shade of ultramarine, presents some accessibility challenges. Its low luminance can make it difficult to read text rendered in this color against a white or light background. Web developers should ensure sufficient contrast between text and background when using this color. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Using lighter shades of text (white or very light grays) against #1D0BA9 can improve readability. Alternatively, consider using #1D0BA9 sparingly for decorative elements rather than essential information. For users with visual impairments, providing alternative text descriptions for images or elements using this color is crucial. Employing tools to simulate color blindness can also help developers assess accessibility for a wider range of users. Furthermore, avoid relying solely on color to convey important information, as users with color vision deficiencies may not be able to distinguish it.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade of blue that offers better contrast and readability while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
A desaturated blue that provides a more muted and subtle feel, suitable for backgrounds or less prominent elements.
A more vibrant blue that can be used as an accent color to draw attention and create visual interest.
Applications
Brand Identity
Ultramarine (#1D0BA9) can serve as a primary brand color to convey trustworthiness, stability, and sophistication. It is well-suited for financial institutions, technology companies, or educational organizations. Use it on logos, website headers, and marketing materials to create a consistent and professional brand image. Ensure adequate contrast with text and other design elements for optimal readability and visual appeal. Consider combining it with complementary or analogous colors to create a balanced and harmonious color palette. Use lighter tints of the same color for backgrounds.
Web Design
In web design, ultramarine can be employed for navigation bars, buttons, and other interactive elements. Its bold presence can draw the user's eye and guide them through the interface. Use it sparingly to avoid overwhelming the user. Pair it with neutral colors like white, gray, or beige to create a clean and modern aesthetic. Consider using hover effects or other visual cues to indicate interactivity. Additionally, explore different shades and tints of ultramarine to create depth and visual interest.
Fashion and Cosmetics
Ultramarine can be used in fashion design to make garments more interesting. It is commonly used in formal wear and accessories such as scarfs or handbags. For a stunning look, combine it with gold jewelry. The usage in the cosmetic industry goes from eyeliners, mascara to eyeshadows.