Ultramarine
General Information About Ultramarine
Ultramarine, represented by the hexadecimal color code #2301B3, is a deep and intense shade of blue. It historically derives its name from the pigment originally made from lapis lazuli, a semi-precious stone imported from overseas (“ultra mare” in Latin). This color is located towards the violet end of the blue spectrum and is known for its rich and vibrant appearance. In the RGB color model, Ultramarine is composed of 13.73% red, 0.39% green, and 70.2% blue. Its CMYK values are 80% cyan, 99% magenta, 0% yellow, and 30% black. Ultramarine evokes feelings of calmness, depth, and sophistication. It is often associated with royalty, the sea, and the night sky. This color is frequently used to convey trustworthiness, stability, and authority in designs.
The color #2301B3, also known as Ultramarine, presents significant accessibility challenges, particularly for users with visual impairments. Its low luminance value of approximately 2% means that text rendered in this color against a white background will have very poor contrast, falling far short of WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) recommendations for contrast ratios. To ensure readability and usability, it is crucial to avoid using this color for text or important interactive elements without careful consideration. Designers should pair Ultramarine with very light colors such as whites (#FFFFFF), very light greys (#F0F0F0) or vibrant yellows (#FFFF00) to meet minimum contrast requirements (at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text). Consider using color contrast checking tools to verify compliance with accessibility standards. Furthermore, do not rely solely on color to convey information, as colorblind users might not be able to distinguish it. Always provide alternative cues, such as text labels or icons.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design Background
In web design, Ultramarine can be employed as a background color for specific sections to add depth and visual interest. However, it should be used sparingly due to its low contrast and potential accessibility issues. It can be incorporated into website headers, footers, or sidebar backgrounds to create a distinctive look. It can also be used for decorative elements such as borders, lines and graphic accents, but must have sufficient spacing from important information.
Beauty and Cosmetics
In the beauty industry, Ultramarine is used to make a striking statement and enhance a variety of appearances. It works well as eyeliner, eyeshadow, or nail polish, giving a dash of color and refinement to any makeup look. This deep, rich blue hue is capable of instantly drawing attention and creating an impression, whether used for dramatic smoky eyes or stylish, eye-catching nails. Ultramarine can also be applied with other colors to get a range of results.
Fashion and Clothing
Ultramarine is commonly used to design clothing to give the wearer a royal appearance. It gives the garments a regal and elegant feel when incorporated into apparel. This color works nicely in the fashion sector to make striking statements and give an air of sophistication to any ensemble, whether it's a dress, shirt, or accessory. The deep, rich hue is ideal for drawing attention to a garment and creating a fashionable, unforgettable look. When Ultramarine is used in fashion, it may easily elevate the aesthetic appeal of any closet.