Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
The hexadecimal color #1E07AD, commonly known as Ultramarine, is a deep and intense shade of blue. It originates from the pigment derived from lapis lazuli, a semi-precious stone historically prized for its vibrant color. Ultramarine has been used by artists for centuries, notably in Renaissance paintings, and represents royalty, power, and spirituality. In the RGB color model, #1E07AD consists of 11.76% red, 2.75% green, and 67.84% blue. Its CMYK values are 0.83, 0.96, 0.00, 0.32. This combination results in a color that evokes feelings of depth, tranquility, and trust. Ultramarine is often associated with intelligence and stability. The name literally means 'beyond the sea'.
The color #1E07AD, also known as Ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its dark hue results in low contrast against lighter backgrounds, making it difficult for users with visual impairments to read text or distinguish elements. When using this color for text or interactive elements, it's crucial to pair it with a very light color like white or a pale yellow to ensure sufficient contrast, ideally achieving a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 as recommended by WCAG guidelines. Avoid using #1E07AD for essential UI components without thorough testing and adjustments. Consider offering alternative color themes or customizable options to accommodate users' diverse needs and preferences. Proper color contrast is vital for ensuring inclusive and accessible web experiences, so prioritize careful color selection and testing.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade of blue, #3366FF offers better readability while maintaining a similar aesthetic feel to Ultramarine. Its increased lightness improves contrast against white backgrounds.
Midnight Blue (#191970) is a darker, more muted alternative that evokes a sense of sophistication. It is often used in professional settings. It is still a dark color that will need a light font color to be readable.
Royal Blue (#4169E1) is a brighter, more vibrant alternative that can add a pop of color. While similar in hue, it's generally more visible and engaging. It will need a light font color to be readable.
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Ultramarine can be used as a background color for headers or footers to create a sense of sophistication and depth. Use it sparingly and always pair it with a light-colored text to ensure readability. It can be effective for creating a professional and trustworthy impression, especially for financial or academic websites. The color is suitable as an accent color in diagrams and infographics as long as the color is paired with a good font color for contrast.
Beauty and Cosmetics
Ultramarine can be incorporated into eye shadow palettes to create captivating and mysterious looks. Its deep blue hue complements various skin tones and can be used to achieve both subtle and dramatic effects. As an eye shadow, it should be paired with complementary and contrasting shades for enhanced visual appeal. It may also be used in nail polish design.
Fashion Design
Ultramarine can be used in fashion design as an accent color for clothing or accessories. A silk scarf can have this color or as details on evening gowns to add a touch of elegance and sophistication. It can also be incorporated into jewelry design, such as in gemstones or enamel work to create striking and visually appealing pieces. Pair with gold or silver accents to get a rich look.