Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine (#1E0999)
The hex color #1E0999, commonly known as Ultramarine, is a deep and rich shade of blue. It falls within the blue color family and is characterized by its intense and somewhat mysterious hue. In the RGB color model, #1E0999 is composed of 11.8% red, 3.5% green, and 60% blue. This substantial amount of blue is what gives the color its distinctive appearance. Ultramarine is often associated with feelings of serenity, wisdom, and depth. It is a color that can evoke a sense of calmness and introspection. Historically, ultramarine was highly valued as a pigment and was derived from the precious stone lapis lazuli, making it a prized color among artists and royalty. Today, it is synthesized but retains its allure and appeal in various applications, from art to design.
The color #1E0999, a deep ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges. Its low luminance value of approximately 3 means that it offers very little contrast against light backgrounds, making text or user interface elements difficult to read for individuals with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, it fails contrast ratio tests for both AA and AAA compliance levels, especially with standard-sized text. To improve accessibility, it is crucial to pair this color with much lighter shades. Using it for decorative elements or large graphical components, rather than essential textual information, is advisable. If text is necessary, consider using a very light color like #FFFFFF or a much brighter, contrasting hue to meet accessibility standards and ensure readability for all users, including those with low vision or color blindness. Ensuring sufficient contrast is key to inclusive design.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A lighter shade of blue that offers better contrast against white backgrounds, suitable for text and interactive elements.
A vibrant blue that can be used as an accent color to draw attention without causing eye strain.
A calmer blue that works well as a background color, especially when paired with white or light-colored text.
Applications
Web Design
Ultramarine's depth makes it ideal for creating immersive digital environments. In web design, this color can be used for website headers, footers, or sidebars to establish a sense of sophistication and professionalism. It can also be incorporated into interactive elements, such as buttons or call-to-action banners, to guide users through the site. The use of #1E0999, however, needs to be carefully balanced with lighter elements to ensure that text and interactive features are easy to read. It adds a touch of elegance and conveys a sense of trustworthiness, making it a great choice for financial or educational websites.
Beauty
In the beauty industry, ultramarine is frequently employed to create alluring and dramatic looks. This color is often found in eyeshadow palettes, eyeliner pencils, and even hair dyes. The depth of ultramarine can add intensity and dimension to the eyes, making them appear more captivating. When used as a hair dye, it adds a unique and bold twist to one's appearance. The color is also popular in nail polishes, often combined with shimmer or glitter, to create a striking and sophisticated effect. Whether used in makeup or hair, ultramarine offers versatility and timeless appeal.
Fashion
Ultramarine, denoted by the hex code #1E0999, finds various applications in fashion. This deep blue hue can be used to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to clothing designs. It can be incorporated into dresses, suits, and evening wear to create a sense of timeless style. The color also complements other shades, making it versatile for different fashion aesthetics. In addition to clothing, ultramarine can be used in accessories such as handbags, scarves, and shoes, providing a pop of color and enhancing the overall look. Whether used as the primary color or as an accent, ultramarine adds depth and visual appeal to fashion ensembles.