The Most Unusual Eye Color, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the eye color you think is the most unusual!

Updated on May 8, 2024 06:59

Eyes often captivate with their unique hues, drawing attention and sparking conversation. Among these, some colors stand out due to their rarity and the curiosity they inspire. Ranking these unusual eye colors can offer a deeper appreciation of human diversity and provide a fascinating glimpse into genetic marvels. By participating in this ranking, users contribute to a collective recognition of unique beauty. Each vote helps determine which eye colors capture the most interest and admiration, making this an engaging experience for all. It's an opportunity for everyone to share their opinion and see how preferences vary across a wide audience.

What Is the Most Unusual Eye Color?

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54
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shamu.ch · CC BY 2.0

Red Eyes

A rare genetic disorder called albinism can cause red eyes due to the lack of pigmentation in the iris.
Red Eyes are a unique and rare eye color characterized by a vibrant red hue. Unlike the natural eye colors found in humans, such as brown, blue, or green, red eyes are highly uncommon and often considered exotic. The intensity of the red color can vary from person to person, ranging from a soft pinkish-red to a deep crimson shade.

Origin: Red eyes are a natural occurrence but are extremely rare in humans.

Genetic Mutation: The red eye color is associated with a genetic mutation affecting the levels of melanin in the iris.

Albinism: Red eyes can also occur in individuals with albinism due to the lack of melanin pigment.

Light Sensitivity: People with red eyes may experience increased sensitivity to bright light and have a higher risk of developing photophobia.

Iris Appearance: The iris of red eyes often appears to lack traditional color gradients and appears uniformly red.
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13
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Violet Eyes

Violet eyes are extremely rare and are caused by a combination of genetics and the scattering of light. Elizabeth Taylor was famously known for her violet eyes.
Violet Eyes are a rare and captivating eye color that appears to be a mix of blue and purple hues. They have a unique and mystical appearance that can often leave people mesmerized. The subtle blend of blue and purple creates an enchanting shade that sets Violet Eyes apart from other eye colors.

Color: A mix of blue and purple

Rareness: Highly unusual and rare

Mystique: Exudes an enchanting and mystical aura

Uniqueness: Stand out from other eye colors

Attractiveness: Often considered captivating and mesmerizing
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38
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Manicjedi · CC BY-SA 3.0

Amber Eyes

Amber eyes are a combination of golden yellow and coppery brown. This eye color is caused by the amount and type of pigments in the iris.
Amber eyes are a rare and striking eye color that is both captivating and unique. They are characterized by a golden or coppery hue, resembling the rich tones of amber gemstones. Amber eyes often display a mix of different colors, including hints of yellow, green, and brown, which give them a mesmerizing depth and intensity.

Color: Golden or coppery with hints of yellow, green, and brown

Rareness: Considered one of the rarest eye colors

Variations: Different shades and intensities

Reflectivity: Can reflect light and appear to change color in different lighting conditions

Heterochromia: Can occur with one amber eye and one eye of a different color
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17
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Heterochromia

Heterochromia is a condition in which a person has two different colored eyes. This can occur due to genetic mutations or injury.
Heterochromia is a rare condition characterized by a person having different eye colors in either one or both eyes. It occurs due to variations in the concentration or distribution of melanin, the pigment that gives color to the iris of the eye. This condition can be present at birth or develop later in life.

Types: Complete heterochromia, sectoral heterochromia, central heterochromia

Causes: Genetic mutations, genetic inheritance, eye injuries, certain diseases

Prevalence: Approximately 1 in 2000 people have some form of heterochromia

Colors: Heterochromia can result in a wide range of eye colors, including combinations of blue, green, hazel, brown, and grey.

Unilateral vs Bilateral: Unilateral heterochromia refers to different eye colors in each eye, while bilateral heterochromia refers to different colors within the same eye.
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Black Eyes

Black eyes are very dark brown and can appear almost black. This eye color is common in people of African and Asian descent.
Black Eyes are a unique eye color characterized by an extremely dark shade that appears black. The color is so deep that the iris and pupil may blend together, making it hard to discern any distinct features. The effect creates a captivating and enigmatic look.

Color: Dark black

Distinct Features: Blending of iris and pupil

Appearance: Enigmatic and captivating

Rareness: Highly uncommon

Genetics: Inherited or occasional mutation
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12
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Nether Animal · Public domain

Gray Eyes

Gray eyes are rare and are most commonly found in people of European descent. This eye color is caused by a low amount of melanin in the iris.
Gray eyes are characterized by a rare and unique color that falls between blue and green. They have a distinct mix of gray, blue, and green pigments, which gives them a steely and piercing appearance.

Color: Gray, with hints of blue and green

Rarity: Uncommon

Pigmentation: Mixed gray, blue, and green pigments

Appearance: Steely and piercing

Light Sensitivity: Varies based on the individual
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12
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Green Eyes

Green eyes are a combination of blue and yellow pigments in the iris. This eye color is most commonly found in people of Celtic or Germanic descent.
Green Eyes is a unique eye color characterized by a stunning shade of green. It is often described as vibrant and captivating, resembling the color of emeralds. People with Green Eyes possess a distinct and rare beauty. The intensity and hue of the green can vary, ranging from light and mossy to deep and forest-like.

Color: Green

Intensity: Varies

Uniqueness: Rare

Shades: Light to deep green

Attraction: Captivating
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9
votes
Larali21 · CC BY-SA 3.0

Blue Eyes

Blue eyes are caused by a low amount of melanin in the iris, which allows light to reflect off the back of the eye and give it a blue appearance.
Blue Eyes is a unique and captivating eye color that is characterized by a striking shade of blue. The color is often intense and vivid, ranging from pale and icy tones to deep and sapphire-like hues. Blue Eyes are known for their mesmerizing and captivating effect.

Color: Blue

Intensity: Vivid

Shade Range: Pale to Deep

Effect: Mesmerizing

Distinctiveness: Unique
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7
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Brown Eyes

Brown eyes are the most common eye color in the world. This eye color is caused by a high amount of melanin in the iris.
Brown Eyes are a common eye color characterized by a rich, dark brown pigment. They are prevalent among various ethnic groups worldwide.

Color: Dark brown

Prevalence: Common

Creator: N/A (Naturally occurring)

Genetics: Determined by multiple genes and melanin levels

Ethnicity: Found in various ethnic groups globally
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Reddish-Brown Eyes

This eye color is a mix of brown and red pigments in the iris. It is most commonly found in people of South and Central American descent.
Reddish-Brown Eyes are a unique eye color characterized by a combination of red and brown pigmentation. They possess a captivating warmth and intensity that distinguishes them from conventional eye colors.

Pigmentation: Combination of red and brown

Appearance: Warm and intense

Uniqueness: Considered rare and unusual

Eyesight: Functionally identical to other eye colors

Genetics: Result of specific gene variations

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Discussion

Ranking factors for unusual eye color

Rarity

Eyes that are extremely rare and not commonly found can be considered as unusual, such as violet or red eyes.
Genetics

The genetic factors that contribute to eye color can also be taken into account. For example, individuals with heterochromia (two different-colored eyes) or complete heterochromia (one eye that's a completely different color from the other) could have unusual eye colors.
Brightness

The brightness and intensity of the eye color could also be considered. For example, bright yellow or golden eyes can be considered to be unusual.
Uniqueness

Finally, the overall uniqueness and distinctiveness of the eye color can play a role in determining how unusual it is. For example, gray-green eyes can be considered unusual due to their unique blend of colors.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most unusual eye color. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or eye color is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1978 views
176 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each eye color once every 24 hours. The rank of each eye color is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most unusual eye color

Background Information: Unusual Eye Colors Eye color is determined by the amount and type of pigments in the iris. Most people have brown, blue, green or hazel eyes, but some individuals have more rare and unusual eye colors. These unique eye colors are often the result of genetic mutations that affect the production or distribution of pigments in the iris. One of the rarest eye colors is red, which is caused by a lack of melanin in the iris. This can also result in pink or violet eyes. Another uncommon eye color is yellow, which is usually seen in individuals with albinism. Heterochromia is another condition that can result in unusual eye colors, where one eye is a different color than the other. Some people might have eyes that appear to change color depending on the lighting or their mood. This is known as chameleon eyes or hazel eyes. It's caused by the presence of multiple colors in the iris, which can blend or shift in different lighting conditions. Overall, while rare eye colors are interesting and unique, they do not affect a person's vision or health in any way.