What Is the Rarest Eye Color in the World? (2025 Guide)

Most people are familiar with common eye colors like brown, blue, or green—but did you know that some eye colors are so rare they occur in less than 1% of the population?

In this article, we’ll explore the rarest eye colors in the world, ranked from most common to least common, and uncover the fascinating science and genetics behind eye color. Whether you're curious about how your own eye color developed or looking for the rarest of them all, keep reading to find out which hues top the list.

How Is Eye Color Determined?

Eye color is primarily influenced by:

• The amount and type of melanin (a natural pigment) in the iris

• The structure of the iris, especially the collagen fibers

• Genetic mutations, particularly involving genes like OCA2 and PAX6

There are two main types of melanin involved:

• Eumelanin: dark brown to black pigment

• Pheomelanin (also called lipochrome): yellow to reddish pigment

The ratio and concentration of these pigments, along with how light scatters within the iris, determine the color we see.

Ranked: Eye Colors from Most Common to Rarest

1. Brown Eyes (55–79% of the global population)

Brown eyes are by far the most common. They contain high levels of melanin, which absorbs light and gives the eyes a rich, dark hue. People with brown eyes tend to have better natural UV protection.

2. Blue Eyes (~10%)

Surprisingly, all blue-eyed individuals share a common ancestor who lived roughly 6,000–10,000 years ago. Blue eyes are not blue because of pigment but due to Rayleigh scattering—the same effect that makes the sky appear blue. Less melanin in the iris causes light to scatter off the collagen fibers, reflecting a blue appearance.

3. Hazel Eyes (~10%)

Hazel eyes are a mix of brown, green, and sometimes gold tones. This is due to multiple layers of pigmentation and a unique blend of melanin types. Depending on lighting and surroundings, hazel eyes often appear to change color.

4. Amber Eyes (~5%)

Often confused with light brown, amber eyes have a warm golden or copper tone due to a higher concentration of pheomelanin. Some people with amber eyes may notice a coppery ring in their eyes—a rare sign sometimes linked to Wilson’s disease, a genetic disorder affecting copper metabolism.

5. Gray Eyes (~3%)

Gray eyes are similar to blue eyes but contain slightly more melanin, which mutes the blue reflection. This gives the iris a smoky, steel-gray appearance. Gray eyes are very rare and have a mysterious, captivating look.

6. Green Eyes (~2%)

Green eyes are among the most admired but are quite rare. The color is created by a mix of yellowish lipochrome and light scattering, resulting in a vibrant green hue. They typically have low to moderate melanin levels and are most commonly seen in people of European descent.

7. Violet or Purple Eyes (<1%)

These are typically seen in individuals with albinism, a condition where melanin production is severely reduced. Without pigment in the back layer of the iris, more light reflects off the retina’s blood vessels, giving the eyes a reddish or purple tint. This condition often comes with light sensitivity and vision issues.

8. Red or Pink Eyes (<1%)

Also found in people with albinism, red or pink eyes occur due to a complete lack of pigment in both the iris and retina. The blood vessels at the back of the eye become visible through the iris, resulting in a striking red or pink appearance.

9. Black Eyes (0.001%) – The Rarest Eye Color

True black eyes don’t actually exist, but some people appear to have them due to extremely high levels of melanin, making the iris look almost black. However, the rarest actual condition is aniridia—a genetic disorder where a person is born without an iris. This makes the pupil look massively dilated and dark, often mistaken for black eyes. Aniridia affects approximately 1 in 100,000 people.

What Makes Eye Colors So Rare?

Some rare eye colors are the result of:

• Genetic mutations affecting melanin production

• Eye disorders like albinism or aniridia

• Complex interactions between genes and light

Factors like ancestry and geographical origin also influence eye color rarity. For instance, green and gray eyes are more commonly found in Europe, while amber eyes are more frequent in parts of Asia and South America.

Conclusion: What’s the Rarest Eye Color?

While brown is the most common and blue eyes are shared by millions, aniridia-related black eyes are technically the rarest. True red, violet, or pink eyes, usually linked to albinism, are also incredibly rare and often misunderstood.

Whether you’re blessed with a common or rare eye color, your eyes are a fascinating mix of science, genetics, and beauty.