Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hex code #2008AC, is a deep blue color historically derived from the precious mineral lapis lazuli. Its name literally means 'beyond the sea' indicating its origin from overseas. Ultramarine is known for its rich and intense hue, making it a popular choice in art, design, and fashion. In color theory, Ultramarine is considered a cool color, evoking feelings of calmness and serenity. Its spectral reflectance shows a high reflectance in the blue region. It's often associated with royalty and sophistication due to its historical value and vibrant appearance. The color is widely used in paintings, textiles, and digital media to add depth and visual interest.
The hex color #2008AC, Ultramarine, presents specific accessibility challenges, primarily due to its dark hue and relatively low luminance. When used as a foreground color, it necessitates a light background color to ensure sufficient contrast for readability, especially for users with visual impairments. According to WCAG guidelines, the contrast ratio between text and background should be at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Ultramarine may struggle to meet these ratios with many darker shades, potentially causing eye strain and hindering content comprehension. When using Ultramarine, ensure thorough testing with accessibility tools to confirm compliance with accessibility standards. Consider providing alternative color schemes or allowing users to customize colors to suit their individual needs and preferences, thereby creating a more inclusive user experience. Also, avoid using it for critical information without sufficient contrast.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design
In web design, Ultramarine can be used sparingly for headings, accents, or interactive elements to draw attention without overwhelming the user. It pairs well with neutral colors like white, light grays, or even muted yellows to create a balanced visual hierarchy. Consider using it for button highlights or navigation menus on a website with a clean and minimal design. Proper use can greatly improve user interface.
Fashion Design
In the fashion industry, Ultramarine can be used in clothing design for bold statements or as an accent color. It can be paired with other vibrant colors for a playful look or with neutral tones for a more sophisticated style. It would work well for evening wear or more casual day-to-day wear. This color can be combined with many different types of fabrics.
Interior Design
Ultramarine can add a touch of sophistication and depth to interior design projects. It can be used as an accent wall color in a living room or bedroom, or as the primary color for furniture upholstery. It works well with both warm and cool color palettes, adding versatility to various design schemes. This color can also be used for artwork.