Ultramarine

HEX: #120A8F | Modern Palette

On White
14.33:1
PASS
On Black
1.47:1
FAIL

Color Specifications

HEX
#120A8F
RGB
18, 10, 143
HSL
243°, 93% ,56%
CMYK
87.41, 93.01, 0, 43.92

About Ultramarine

Ultramarine (#120A8F) is a color with RGB(18, 10, 143) and HSL(243.61°, 93.01%, 56.08%). It is commonly associated with Bold moods. In design, it fits Vivid, Neon styles and is suitable for Text, Button, Accent. Its complementary color is #878F0A, which creates strong contrast. Its triadic palette includes #8F120A and #0A8F12. The name comes from ultramarinus (Latin).

  • HEX: #120A8F
  • RGB: 18, 10, 143
  • HSL: 243.61°, 93.01%, 56.08%
  • Mood: Bold
  • Style: Vivid, Neon
  • Use case: Text, Button, Accent
  • Complementary color: #878F0A
  • Triadic colors: #8F120A, #0A8F12
  • The name comes from ultramarinus (Latin).

Live Components

LIGHT
DARK
System Notification Box

Color Palettes

Monochromatic Five tones of the same hue — a reliable scale for backgrounds, surfaces, and text.
Neutral + Accent Four near-neutral tones grounded by a saturated accent — clean and versatile for UI.
Analogous Five hues drifting across a 60° arc — naturally harmonious and pleasing to the eye.
3 + 1 + 1 Three analogous base colors, one complementary accent, one dark anchor — bold yet balanced.

Color Harmonies

Complementary

The color directly opposite on the color wheel — creates maximum contrast and vibrance.

Analogous

Colors adjacent on the wheel — naturally harmonious and pleasing to the eye.

Triadic

Three colors equally spaced 120° apart — bold, balanced, and visually rich.

Split-Complementary

Two colors flanking the complement — high contrast with less tension than full complementary.

Tetradic (Square)

Four colors at 90° intervals — rich variety, best when one color dominates.

Monochromatic

Shades and tints of the same hue — cohesive, elegant, and easy to work with.

Shades & Tints

A seamless scale of #120A8F from deepest shade to lightest tint.

Color Characteristics

Mood
Bold
Style
Vivid Neon
Use case
Text Button Accent

Accessibility Simulation

Deuteranopia #0D0D8F
Protanopia #0B0B8F
Tritanopia #003636
Achromatopsia #2A2A2A

Frequently Asked Questions

Ultramarine (#120A8F) is a color with RGB(18, 10, 143) and HSL(243.61°, 93.01%, 56.08%).

#120A8F pairs strongly with #878F0A as its complementary color. It can also be used with neutral tones for balanced UI and design layouts.

#120A8F is suitable for Text, Button, Accent and works well with Vivid, Neon styles.

#120A8F is commonly associated with Bold.

The name Ultramarine is linked to ultramarinus from Latin, meaning beyond the sea.

Name, History & Etymology

Origin Word ultramarinus
Meaning beyond the sea
Language Latin
First Recorded Use Medieval

History

Ultramarine was originally derived from lapis lazuli, a metamorphic rock found primarily in Afghanistan. The pigment was highly prized for its vibrant blue color and permanence. Its name reflects its origin, as it was imported to Europe from 'beyond the sea'. For centuries, it was the most expensive blue pigment, often reserved for the most important figures in paintings, such as the Virgin Mary. A synthetic version, French Ultramarine, was developed in the early 19th century, making the color much more accessible and affordable.

First Recorded Use

13th century

Cultural Associations

Due to its historical cost and brilliance, ultramarine became associated with royalty, divinity, and luxury. It is prominently featured in Renaissance and Baroque art. Its deep, rich blue evokes feelings of depth, spirituality, and calm. In modern contexts, it is a popular color in fashion, interior design, and branding for its sophisticated and classic appeal.

Similar Named Colors
Phthalo Blue #000F89 ΔE 1.45
Dark Blue #00008B ΔE 1.68
Duke Blue #00009C ΔE 1.96
Navy Blue #000080 ΔE 2.84

Code Snippets

/* Background */
.element {
    background-color: #120A8F;
}

/* Text */
.element {
    color: #120A8F;
}

/* Border */
.element {
    border: 1px solid #120A8F;
}

/* Linear gradient to complementary */
.element {
    background: linear-gradient(
        to right,
        #120A8F,
        #EBF727
    );
}

/* Radial gradient */
.element {
    background: radial-gradient(
        circle,
        #120A8F,
        #EBF727
    );
}

// SCSS variable
$ultramarine: #120A8F;

// With RGB channels (useful for rgba() usage)
$ultramarine-r: 18;
$ultramarine-g: 10;
$ultramarine-b: 143;

// Usage
.element {
    background-color: $ultramarine;
    color: rgba($ultramarine-r, $ultramarine-g, $ultramarine-b, 0.8);
}