Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hex code #2205ae, is a deep blue-violet color historically derived from the precious mineral lapis lazuli. Its name literally means 'beyond the sea' as it was originally imported to Europe from Asia. In the realm of color theory, Ultramarine evokes feelings of calmness, trust, and authority. It is frequently associated with royalty and sophistication. The color is composed of 13.3% red, 2% green, and 68.2% blue. In the RGB color space, it is a tertiary color lying between blue and violet. Ultramarine possesses a certain level of complexity in its undertones which makes it suitable for a variety of design applications, from website backgrounds to branding materials. Its historical significance and elegant appearance lend a sense of timelessness to any project it is used in.
The color #2205ae, Ultramarine, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly concerning color contrast. When used for text, it's crucial to ensure sufficient contrast against the background. 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, being a dark shade of blue-violet, requires a very light background to meet these standards. Without adequate contrast, users with low vision or color blindness may struggle to read the content. Tools like WebAIM's Contrast Checker can be used to evaluate contrast ratios. To improve accessibility, consider pairing Ultramarine with light yellows, whites, or other high-contrast colors. Also, avoid using it for crucial visual elements like buttons or important icons without proper contrast, as it can cause usability issues.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design and Branding
Ultramarine (#2205ae) can be effectively used in website headers and footers to create a sense of depth and sophistication. Its dark, rich hue provides a strong visual anchor, especially when contrasted with lighter content areas. In graphic design, it can serve as a primary color for branding materials, evoking feelings of trust and reliability. For interior design, Ultramarine accents can add a touch of luxury to a room, whether through painted walls, decorative pillows, or artwork. In fashion, it's a bold choice for statement pieces like dresses or jackets, lending an air of elegance and mystery. Its versatility also extends to digital art, where it can be used to create stunning gradients and atmospheric effects.
Data Visualization and UI/UX
Ultramarine is perfect as a background color for data visualizations. Its depth helps key data points stand out. It can be used in mobile app design for navigational elements, providing a visually distinct user interface. In the beauty industry, it inspires creativity and drama in eye shadow palettes. In packaging design, it communicates premium quality and sophistication. It's also effective for creating eye-catching call-to-action buttons on websites and promotional materials.
Artwork & Illustrations
Ultramarine is often found in artwork and illustrations, offering depth and richness to the overall color palette. It is most commonly associated with night skies and other atmospheric effects. Ultramarine can be incorporated into textile design for luxury clothing and home decor to enhance the overall aesthetic. Ultramarine can also be found in logo designs for companies that want to portray trust, loyalty, and sophistication. The rich color can stand alone, or can be combined with complimentary colors.