Mine Shaft
General Information about #303331
The hex color #303331, also known as Mine Shaft, is a dark, desaturated gray color. It belongs to the gray color family, known for its neutrality and versatility. In the RGB color model, #303331 is composed of 19.61% red, 20% green, and 19.22% blue. In the CMYK color model, it consists of 2% cyan, 0% magenta, 4% yellow, and 80% black. Colors like #303331 are frequently used in design to create a sense of sophistication, calmness, or understatement. It is often found in modern, minimalist designs, where its neutrality allows other elements to stand out. This color is commonly used for backgrounds, text, and borders, as it provides a subtle contrast without being distracting.
The hex color #303331, also known as Mine Shaft, presents some accessibility challenges, particularly when used for text or interactive elements. Its low luminance value makes it difficult to distinguish from darker backgrounds, potentially violating WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) contrast requirements. To ensure accessibility, it's crucial to pair #303331 with significantly lighter colors for text and interactive elements. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is recommended for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Testing with accessibility tools is essential to validate sufficient contrast. Avoid using this color for critical information or actions without adequate contrast. Providing alternative visual cues, such as icons or text decorations, can further enhance accessibility for users with visual impairments. Considering users with color blindness is also important, therefore make sure to test your color combinations for color blindness.
Shades
Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
- #404341
A slightly lighter gray can provide better contrast while maintaining a similar aesthetic.
- #202321
A slightly darker gray can be used for subtle differentiation without compromising the overall color scheme.
- #333333
Using #333333 as an alternative provides a very similar tone, which provides more contrast and is commonly used in websites.
Applications
Subtle Backgrounds
In web design, #303331 can be used for creating subtle background variations, especially in modern and minimalist designs. It works well for content dividers or as a muted background for secondary elements, adding depth without overwhelming the user interface. This color helps create a sophisticated feel and is best suited for websites with a focus on readability and user experience. Consider using it for footers or sidebars to subtly separate content sections. It can also be used in charts and graphs to create visual differentiation, and it's best combined with brighter accent colors and sufficient white space.
Neutral Interior Base
In interior design, #303331 can serve as a neutral base for walls or furniture, allowing brighter colors to stand out. It is suitable for creating a calming and sophisticated atmosphere in living rooms or bedrooms. This color works well with natural materials like wood and stone. It's also frequently used in modern kitchens for cabinets or countertops, providing a sleek and understated aesthetic. Incorporating textures and varied lighting can enhance the depth and richness of this color in interior spaces. Accents in metal and glass complement the color in a modern interior.
Fashion color
In fashion, Mine Shaft (#303331) can be utilized to create a muted, sophisticated look, often used as a background color to make brighter, more vibrant colors pop. It is a great color to combine with gold-colored accessories. It can be used in a wide range of clothing articles, such as jackets, pants or dresses. This color is commonly used for more formal clothing or as part of business clothing. Using different textures of Mine Shaft colored cloths adds to the look and gives the outfit more depth.