Amber Eyes: The Rarest Eye Color and Fascinating Facts
Jul 22,2024 | Coleyes

Amber eyes are one of the rarest eye colors, found in about 5% of people worldwide. Their unique golden or coppery hue comes from higher levels of a pigment called pheomelanin. In this article, we’ll explore the science behind amber eyes, how they differ from other eye colors, and some fascinating facts about them.
Amber eyes are a result of genetic factors and higher levels of pheomelanin, giving them a distinctive golden hue different from other common eye colors. Amber eyes are among the rarest eye colors in the world, found in only about 5% of the global population, and are often mistaken for hazel, brown, or green eyes.
Several famous individuals, such as Eliza Dushku and Justin Bieber, have amber eyes, contributing to the eye color’s unique and captivating allure.
What Causes Amber Eyes?
A blend of genetic factors and pigmentation lends amber eyes their unique color. Inheriting the amber eye color necessitates the passing down of specific gene variants from both parents, given its recessive pattern. Genetic mutations within families can result in different eye colors, but amber eyes can remain consistent if the gene is passed down through generations.
The key to amber eyes’ distinctive golden glow lies in the higher levels of pheomelanin present in the iris. Pheomelanin is a reddish-yellow pigment that, when present in higher concentrations in the front layer of the iris, gives amber eyes their characteristic color. The distinction of amber eyes from other eye colors stems from this unique pigmentation, as most other eyes possess different melanin compositions.
Both genetic factors and the higher levels of pheomelanin work together to create the striking amber eye color. Amber eyes, ranging from a solid golden hue to a light brown with golden or copper tints, are among the world’s most distinct and beautiful eye colors.
Characteristics of Amber Eyes
Amber eyes are known for their solid gold or copper color, exhibiting a strong yellowish gold tint. These eyes can vary in shades, ranging from a light brown with a golden or copper tint to a bright golden tone. The uniqueness and striking appearance of amber eyes are derived from their solid color and warm hues.
Subsequently, a comparison of amber eyes with other common eye colors, including the darkest shades and pink eyes, is presented, emphasizing the importance of visual clarity in response to visual stimuli.
Amber Eyes vs Hazel Eyes
Amber eyes are often confused with hazel eyes, but there are distinct differences between the two. While amber eyes predominantly feature a golden-brown hue, hazel eyes are a blend of green and brown, often with flecks of other colors such as gold and orange. Hazel eyes can appear to change color, shifting from green to light brown to gold depending on lighting conditions.
In contrast, amber eyes have a more solid color and lack any green tint. This solid appearance sets them apart from hazel eyes, which display a mixture of hues and can seem to contain specks of amber but are not as uniform in color.

Amber Eyes vs Brown Eyes
Compared to the darker shades typical of brown eyes, light brown eyes and amber eyes are lighter. The distinct yellowish tint present in amber eyes sets them apart from the more common darker eye colors. Though amber eyes could be perceived as a lighter shade of brown, they exhibit a unique golden or reddish-orange hue absent in standard brown eyes.
Additionally, amber eyes may contain amounts of very light gold-ish gray, a trait uncommon in brown eyes and gray eyes. This lighter and more varied pigmentation gives amber eyes their distinctive look, making them stand out even among other lighter brown eyes.
Amber Eyes vs Green Eyes

The primary difference between amber and green eyes lies in their melanin composition. Amber eyes contain more pheomelanin, which gives them their characteristic golden tone. This higher level of pheomelanin results in the warm, yellowish hues that define amber eyes.
On the other hand, green eyes contain more eumelanin compared to pheomelanin, resulting in their distinct green color. The presence of eumelanin in green eyes gives them their unique shade, which is markedly different from the golden tones of amber eyes.
How Rare Are Amber Eyes?
Being among the world’s rarest eye colors, amber eyes are seen in just about 5% of the global population. This rarity makes amber eyes a unique and striking feature, often mistaken for hazel or brown eyes but distinct in their own right.
Amber eyes, despite their rarity, are genuine and appear across diverse populations. They are not as common as brown eyes, which are the most common eye color globally, or even green eyes, which are also rare but have a different melanin composition. Blue eyes, on the other hand, have their own unique characteristics and prevalence among populations.
Famous People with Amber Eyes
Numerous celebrities, distinguished by their stunning amber eyes, augment their captivating presence. Actress Eliza Dushku is celebrated not only for her acting skills but also for her unique amber eyes. Justin Bieber is another well-known figure with amber-colored eyes, making his look distinctive.
Other famous personalities with amber eyes include Jennifer Garner and Jennifer Lopez, both of whom have striking amber eyes that enhance their captivating appearances. These celebrities’ amber eyes make them stand out even more in the public eye, showcasing the beauty of this rare eye color.
Enhancing Your Eye Color with Contacts
Colored contact lenses present a fantastic solution for those desiring the appearance of amber eyes. Coelyes Ambar lenses are particularly popular for their beautiful print pattern and incredible opacity, making even the darkest eyes look like beautiful olive-green shades. These lenses are suitable for daily wear for up to one year, providing a natural and intriguing finish.
Hidrocor Ambar and Natural Colors Ambar lenses differ mainly in the presence of a limbal ring. The Natural Colors collection includes a subtle limbal ring, while the Hidrocor collection does not. This subtle difference can affect the overall look, allowing for a more customized appearance.
Best Colored Contacts for Amber Eyes
When it comes to replicating the unique hue of amber eyes, Coleyes lenses are top recommendations. These lenses are specifically designed to mimic the solid gold hue that characterizes amber eyes, providing a striking and natural look.
They offer a beautiful and convincing amber eye effect, making them excellent choices for anyone looking to enhance their eye color with contacts.

The Science Behind Eye Color
Multiple genes influencing the amount and type of melanin in the iris determine eye color. Melanin, which includes eumelanin (dark brown-black) and pheomelanin (lighter red or yellow hues), plays a significant role in defining eye color. For almost everyone, the back layer of the iris, called the pigment epithelium, contains brown pigment.
The front layer of the iris, however, varies in pigment composition and can result in different eye colors. For example, the higher levels of pheomelanin in amber eyes give them their distinctive golden hue. In contrast, eyes with more eumelanin, such as brown eyes, appear darker.
The complexity of human genetics involves sixteen genes in the production, transportation, or storage of melanin. This complexity explains why eye color can vary so widely among individuals and why it can change over the first few months of a child’s life as more pigment accumulates in the iris.
Regional Prevalence of Amber Eyes
Historical migration patterns and population movements account for the higher prevalence of amber eyes in certain regions. They are commonly found among individuals of:
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Spanish descent
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people born in South America
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people born in South Africa
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people born in Asia
These regions have a higher occurrence of amber eyes compared to other parts of the world, which is an interesting fact considering the world’s population.
Amber eyes are more frequently found in the following regions:
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Iberian Peninsula
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Southern Europe
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Balkans
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Southern France
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Italy
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Hungary
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Middle East
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North Africa
The mixed ancestry in Latin America, involving European, African, and Indigenous roots, also contributes to the higher occurrence of amber eyes in the region.
Myths and Facts About Amber Eyes
Various myths and cultural attributions have enshrouded amber eyes. Some cultures believe that people with amber eyes possess characteristics like wisdom, warmth, and a keen sense of observation. Nonetheless, these claims lack scientific evidence, and amber eyes do not confer any specific personality traits.
The occurrence of amber eyes is purely due to the presence of pheomelanin and eumelanin pigments in the iris, similar to how other eye colors are determined. Understanding these facts helps dispel the myths and appreciate the true biological basis of this unique eye color.
Summary
In summary, amber eyes are a rare and fascinating eye color, resulting from specific genetic factors and higher levels of pheomelanin. These eyes are characterized by their solid gold hue and can vary from a light brown to a golden-yellow tint. Amber eyes are often mistaken for hazel or brown eyes but are unique in their own right.
Whether you have amber eyes or are simply intrigued by them, understanding the science, rarity, and characteristics of this eye color can deepen your appreciation. From famous individuals who possess amber eyes to the possibility of enhancing your eye color with contacts, the allure of amber eyes continues to captivate and inspire.