Sapphire
General Information about Sapphire
Sapphire, represented by the hex code #2E479A, is a deep and rich shade of blue that evokes feelings of trust, intelligence, and sophistication. It derives its name from the precious gemstone sapphire, known for its intense blue hue. In the RGB color model, Sapphire is composed of 18.04% red, 27.84% green, and 60.39% blue. Its CMYK values are 70% cyan, 54% magenta, 0% yellow, and 39% black. This color is often associated with royalty, wisdom, and stability. It finds applications in various fields, including web design, graphic design, fashion, and interior design. Its versatility allows it to be used as both a primary color and an accent color, depending on the desired effect. Sapphire is also an appropriate color for representing water in maps.
The hex color #2E479A, also known as Sapphire, presents specific accessibility considerations for web design. Its dark hue necessitates careful selection of foreground text colors to ensure sufficient contrast, which is crucial for users with visual impairments. A light color such as white or a bright yellow would be appropriate choices. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) recommend a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. It is recommended to use color contrast checking tools to confirm compliance. Using this color for interactive elements requires extra attention, as the focus state must be clearly distinguishable. Failure to provide adequate contrast can result in a frustrating user experience, particularly for individuals with low vision or color blindness. Therefore, thoughtful consideration of color combinations is essential to ensure inclusivity and usability.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #3B5998
A slightly lighter shade of blue that maintains a sophisticated feel while offering improved visibility and accessibility on screens.
- #4663AC
A more vibrant blue that can be used as an accent color to draw attention to key elements on a website or in a design.
- #483D8B
A similar color, but less saturated, making it easier on the eyes for extended viewing periods. It also renders well on older monitors.
Applications
Web and Graphic Design
In web design, Sapphire (#2E479A) can serve as a primary color for websites aiming to convey trust, stability, and professionalism. It is well-suited for financial institutions, corporate sites, or educational platforms. The color can be used for headings, navigation bars, or background elements. In graphic design, Sapphire can add a touch of sophistication to branding materials, logos, or marketing collateral. Its association with depth and intelligence makes it appropriate for companies wanting to project an image of competence and reliability. Furthermore, Sapphire works well with complementary colors like gold or yellow to create visually striking compositions. It is also useful in data visualization to create contrast, by differentiating the values.
Fashion and Interior Design
In the realm of fashion, Sapphire (#2E479A) evokes a sense of elegance and formality. It is commonly used in evening wear, formal suits, and accessories like handbags or shoes. Sapphire can be paired with neutral colors like gray or beige for a subtle look or combined with vibrant colors like fuchsia or emerald green for a bold statement. In interior design, Sapphire can be used as an accent color to add depth and richness to a room. It works well on walls, upholstery, or decorative objects. A sapphire-colored sofa or accent wall can create a luxurious focal point in a living room or bedroom. Combining it with lighter colors will brighten up the room.
Educational and Software Applications
Sapphire (#2E479A) is suitable for creating a calm and focused atmosphere for the learning environment. It can also be used in presentation slides, charts, and graphs to represent data clearly. The contrast between this blue and white or light-yellow text can be effective for readability. A dark blue can also be used in software design for user interfaces to enhance focus on task performance, particularly in software aimed at reducing distractions and promoting productivity. It's important to pair it with appropriate text sizes and spacing to prevent eye strain.