Smalt
Also known as: US Air Force Blue, Dark Seashore Night, North Star Blue, Egyptian Blue
Smalt is what happens when blue turns rich and vivid. The effect is calm and trustworthy, made for trust-driven interfaces and corporate branding. Match it with brown accents when the design calls for energy over calm. Accessibility-wise, it clears AA for text on white at 10.86:1.
Smalt color codes
- HEX
- #003399
- RGB
- rgb(0, 51, 153)
- RGBA
- rgba(0, 51, 153, 1)
- HSL
- hsl(220, 100%, 30%)
- HSV
- hsv(220, 100%, 60%)
- CMYK
- cmyk(100%, 67%, 0%, 40%)
- LAB
- lab(24.7 21.0 -60.7)
- OKLCH
- oklch(37.1% 0.173 262.1)
Color intelligence
Displays accurately on every screen and translates well to print.
Temperature
cool
Nearest standard colors
- CSS: darkslateblue#483D8B · ΔE 8.2
- RAL 5002 — Ultramarine blue#2B2C7C · ΔE 5.8 · approximate
RAL values are widely published approximations of the physical standard. For Pantone-adjacent workflows, match by eye against a physical fan deck — Pantone's values are proprietary and device-dependent, so we don't print lookups.
Where Smalt works
- Web & UI: Use it directly for text on light surfaces; it clears AA contrast without adjustment.
- Interiors: Use it where you want the eye to land — front door, built-ins, or one bold wall.
- Fashion: One garment in this color carries an outfit; two starts to compete.
- Branding: The safest brand-primary family there is; differentiate with an unexpected accent.
- Web & UI: Use it decoratively — dividers, chart series, illustration accents — and let neutrals carry the type.
- Branding: Best in a brand's supporting palette — packaging interiors, patterns, campaign accents.
Copy as — every ecosystem
Tints, shades, and tones of Smalt
Tints (lighter)
Shades (darker)
Color harmonies
Palettes built from Smalt by rotating its hue in OKLCH space. Click any swatch to copy its hex code.
Complementary
Analogous
Triadic
Split-complementary
Tetradic
Monochromatic
Contrast & accessibility
Aa — on white
contrast 10.86:1
AA passAAA passAA large pass
Aa — on black
contrast 1.93:1
AA failAAA failAA large fail
Best text color on a Smalt background: #ffffff
Palettes featuring Smalt
Smalt with its complement
Soft neighbors of Smalt
Smalt triad
Similar colors
- Blue Hour#0034AB · ΔE 2.6
- Bluebell#333399 · ΔE 4.2
- Space Dust#002299 · ΔE 5.0
- Denim#2243B6 · ΔE 6.0
- Blueberry#464196 · ΔE 7.4
- Dark Galaxy#0018A8 · ΔE 7.5
Looking for maximum contrast instead? The complement of Smalt is closest to Pineapple.
Smalt FAQs
What color is Smalt?
Smalt is a dark blue with the hex code #003399. In HSL terms it has a hue of 220°, 100% saturation, and 30% lightness.
What is the hex code for Smalt?
The hex code for Smalt is #003399. In RGB it's rgb(0, 51, 153), and in CMYK it's cmyk(100%, 67%, 0%, 40%).
What colors go well with Smalt?
Smalt pairs naturally with brown tones from its complementary harmony. Its own tints and shades always work as a monochrome scheme.
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