When we think of eye colors, shades like brown, blue, and green often come to mind. However, while these are common, there are a few rare and extraordinary eye colors that are far less frequently seen around the world. Genetics play a significant role in determining eye color, and some combinations are so rare that only a tiny percentage of the population possesses them. Let’s take a look at the three rarest eye colors in the world:

1. Green Eyes

Although green eyes are more common compared to other rare eye colors, they are still quite unusual. Only about 2% of the world’s population has green eyes, making them one of the rarest naturally occurring colors. The green hue comes from a low concentration of melanin (which creates brown eyes) and a yellowish pigment called lipochrome. When combined with the blue light scattering effect of the eye's iris, it creates the greenish color.

Where are green eyes most common? Green eyes are most commonly found in people of European descent, particularly in Ireland, Scotland, and parts of Germany and Iceland. In fact, over 80% of Iceland’s population has either green or blue eyes. Despite their striking appearance, green eyes are genetically recessive, making them much rarer than brown or blue eyes.

2. Amber Eyes

Amber eyes are often confused with hazel, but they are distinctly different. Amber eyes are characterized by a rich golden or copper hue, sometimes described as having a wolf-like or cat-like appearance. The unique color comes from a high concentration of the pigment lipochrome, and the lack of blue or green pigments.

Only about 5% of the global population is thought to have amber eyes, making them one of the rarest colors. These eyes can appear almost orange in certain lighting, giving them a captivating and otherworldly look.

Where are amber eyes most common? Amber eyes are more common in Asia and South America, but they are still considered rare no matter the region. They are also occasionally seen in people of Spanish or Southern European descent.

3. Heterochromia (Different Colored Eyes)

Though not technically a single eye color, heterochromia is an incredibly rare and fascinating condition where a person has two different-colored eyes or multiple colors within one eye. It can be complete (one eye is a completely different color than the other) or partial (where one eye has multiple colors or different color sections).

Heterochromia can be a result of genetics or occur due to injury, illness, or certain medications. Less than 1% of the population has this eye condition, making it incredibly rare. Celebrities like Kate Bosworth and Mila Kunis are known for their strikingly different-colored eyes, which have drawn attention to this condition in recent years.

Where is heterochromia most common? Heterochromia is not linked to a particular ethnicity or geographic region; it can appear in individuals from any background, though it is extremely rare across the board.

While brown and blue eyes are most common across the globe, these three rare eye colors—green, amber, and heterochromia—are unique and captivating in their own right. Whether a product of genetics or a rare mutation, these eye colors are a reminder of the incredible diversity of the human population. The next time you encounter someone with one of these rare eye colors, take a moment to appreciate the beauty and rarity of what you’re seeing!