Ultramarine
General Information about Ultramarine
The hexadecimal color #2302B2, also known as Ultramarine, is a deep, saturated shade of blue with a touch of purple. It belongs to the blue color family and is characterized by its high intensity and depth. In the RGB color model, it is composed of 13.73% red, 0.78% green, and 69.8% blue. This color is often associated with feelings of trust, loyalty, and intelligence. Historically, Ultramarine was derived from the precious stone lapis lazuli, making it a highly valued pigment. It is used across various mediums, from digital design to fine art, to convey a sense of sophistication and boldness. The name ultramarine literally means 'beyond the sea', referring to the pigment's origin from overseas.
The color #2302B2, a deep shade of blue also known as Ultramarine, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly in text and user interface design. Its low lightness value means it offers poor contrast against similarly dark backgrounds, making it difficult to read. For text, it's crucial to pair this color with very light hues like white or pale yellow to meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards for contrast ratios (a minimum of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text). Using it for interactive elements like buttons or links requires careful consideration of focus states, ensuring sufficient visual distinction for users with visual impairments or those relying on keyboard navigation. In general, it is advisable to check the contrast with online tools.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
A lighter blue that provides better contrast against dark backgrounds, enhancing readability and accessibility.
A vibrant purple offering a different aesthetic while maintaining sufficient contrast when paired with appropriate foreground colors.
This shade of blue is still dark but can be used as a lighter accent color.
Applications
Financial Services Web Design
Ultramarine (#2302B2) evokes feelings of trust and security, making it a great pick for financial service websites or banking apps. In web design, it can be used in buttons or call-to-action sections. Its serious, stable character can also increase user confidence. When used in moderation, it can also give a feeling of luxury and elegance. The usage in combination with neutral colors like gray and white is very common to strengthen the seriousness of the color itself.
Interior Design Accent Color
In interior design, Ultramarine can serve as a striking accent wall color, bringing depth and sophistication to a room. It pairs well with neutral furniture and metallic accents. It can also be used in decorative pillows, throws, or artwork. Be careful to not overload the room with the color, as it can make the room appear smaller and darker. It is advised to use light colors to make the room brighter.
Eye Makeup
Ultramarine can be incorporated into eye makeup for a bold, dramatic look. It can be used as an eyeliner, eyeshadow, or mascara color. Its richness and depth make it stand out, while it brings attention to the eyes. It is advisable to combine it with lighter colors to avoid a heavy appearance. Furthermore, it has to be considered that it is not a natural color, so some people might perceive it as 'too much'.