8 World Eye Colour Palette You Probably Didn't Know About

Our eyes are often said to be the windows to the soul. Beyond the poetic, they are one of the most visible traits that reflect our genetic diversity. Eye colour is determined by the amount and type of pigments in the iris, and across the world, a fascinating palette exists, ranging from deep browns to rare, almost mystical shades.

The colour of the human eye is primarily influenced by melanin, the same pigment that affects skin and hair colour. Higher levels of melanin result in darker eyes, such as brown, while lower levels allow lighter colours like blue or green to appear.

Eye colour is not simply inherited from one parent; multiple genes play a role, meaning the diversity we see globally is rich and complex.

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A 2020 study revealed that the vast majority of people have brown eyes, accounting for between 55% and 79% of the global population, depending on the region. Brown is by far the most common eye colour in the world. The American Academy of Ophthalmology estimates that 10,000 years ago, all humans had brown eyes.

It dominates populations in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The deep, rich shades of brown range from light hazel-brown to almost black, offering a warm and classic appearance.

Blue eyes are the second most common eye colour with a population between 8–10% globally. Blue eyes are most commonly found in Europe, particularly Northern and Eastern Europe. They are caused by a low concentration of melanin in the iris. Shades range from pale ice-blue to deep sapphire, often sparkling in natural light.

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Only 2% globally have green eyes. Green eyes are among the rarest naturally occurring colours. Countries such as Ireland, Scotland, and Iceland have the highest concentration. The unique green hue results from a combination of low melanin and a yellow pigment called lipochrome.

Hazel eyes are a mixture of brown, green, and gold, often appearing to change colour in different lighting. This multicoloured effect gives them a mysterious and captivating appearance, commonly seen in Europe and the Middle East.

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Grey eyes are very rare, mostly found in Northern and Eastern Europe. They have a low melanin concentration and a scattering of light that gives them a smoky or silvery appearance.

Amber eyes are golden or copper-coloured, created by a yellow pigment called lipochrome. They can appear strikingly bright, almost glowing in sunlight, and are most commonly found in Asia and South America.

Violet or Lavender: Often a result of albinism, these colours are exceptionally rare and appear almost ethereal.

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Typically linked to albinism or medical conditions, red eyes are extraordinarily uncommon.

This is when a person has two differently coloured eyes or multiple colours in one iris. Celebrities like Jane Seymour and Mila Kunis are well-known examples.

Eye colour diversity is influenced by geography, genetics, and evolutionary history. Darker eyes dominate in regions with high sunlight because melanin protects the eyes from UV rays. Lighter eyes, on the other hand, are more common in regions with lower sunlight, possibly as an adaptation to enhance vision in dimmer environments.

Across cultures, eye colour has often been associated with personality, beauty standards, and even superstition. Blue eyes have historically been idealised in Western art, while dark eyes are often admired for their warmth and depth. In some cultures, rare eye colours like green or amber are considered exotic and mystical.

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The world’s eye colour palette is as diverse and beautiful as humanity itself. From the deepest brown to the rarest violet, every shade tells a story of ancestry, adaptation, and individuality.

Appreciating this spectrum reminds us not only of our biological differences but also of the unique beauty in every human being.