Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #1E0DA7, is a deep, vivid shade of blue. It is named after the pigment originally derived from lapis lazuli, a semi-precious stone. Historically, ultramarine pigment was highly valued and expensive, making it a color often associated with royalty and important artistic works. In the RGB color model, #1E0DA7 consists of 11.8% red, 5.5% green, and 65.5% blue. In the CMYK color model, it is composed of 82% cyan, 92% magenta, 0% yellow, and 35% black. This color evokes feelings of depth, stability, and confidence. In modern times, ultramarine is widely used across various applications, from digital design to print media, and even in fashion and interior decoration, as a color to inspire confidence and reliability.
The color #1E0DA7, Ultramarine, presents some accessibility challenges, especially when it comes to text and background contrast. Due to its dark hue, it requires careful consideration when used as a background for text. To ensure readability and accessibility, it is essential to use a very light color for text placed on an Ultramarine background. White or very light shades of yellow or green would generally work well. Using darker text colors like black, dark gray, or even mid-tone blues or purples could result in insufficient contrast, making the content difficult to read for users with visual impairments. It's crucial to test the contrast ratio using accessibility tools to comply with WCAG guidelines, aiming for a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. In cases where achieving sufficient contrast is difficult, consider using a lighter tint or shade of Ultramarine or opting for a different color altogether to ensure inclusive design.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A slightly lighter shade of blue that offers better readability as a background color.
A softer blue tone suitable for creating a calming and accessible user interface.
Royal Blue can also be used, and it works well as a background for white text, ensuring good readability. This is a very popular colour in webdesign for buttons and links.
Applications
Web Design and Data Visualization
Ultramarine (#1E0DA7) can be effectively used in website design to highlight key interactive elements such as buttons, links, and call-to-action sections. Its vibrancy draws the user's attention, making these elements stand out against lighter backgrounds. Furthermore, Ultramarine is suitable for creating visually appealing charts and graphs, particularly when representing data that needs emphasis. For example, in a bar graph, Ultramarine bars can be used to represent the most significant data points, guiding the viewer's focus and reinforcing the key insights of the visualization. In fashion, #1E0DA7 can be used for evening gowns or accents like scarves or jewelry.
Interior Design
In interior design, Ultramarine can be used as an accent color to add depth and sophistication to a room. Consider using it for throw pillows, artwork, or a feature wall. Ultramarine pairs well with neutral colors like gray, beige, and white, creating a balanced and harmonious aesthetic. This allows the vibrant hue to stand out without overwhelming the space. It is important to use #1E0DA7 sparingly to create an interesting effect.
Branding
Ultramarine is a great choice for branding when you want to convey trust, reliability, and intelligence. It's often used in the tech and finance industries for logos, websites, and marketing materials. A company might use Ultramarine in its logo to project an image of competence and stability.