Hazel eyes are one of the most intriguing and variable eye colors. They can range from light brown to a golden-green hue, with shades of gray and blue sometimes mixed in. The hazel eye color results from a combination of Rayleigh scattering and a low melanin concentration. The amount of melanin often varies between the periphery and the center of the iris, resulting in multicolored irises. So can hazel eyes sometimes appear amber? Let’s take a deeper look at what determines eye color and the range of shades that hazel eyes can display.
What Determines Eye Color?
Human eye color originates from two distinct factors:
| Factor | Description |
| Melanin content | Melanin is a pigment that ranges from brown to black in color. Eyes with a high melanin concentration are darker. |
| Rayleigh scattering | Rayleigh scattering refers to the scattering of light by particles that are smaller than the light’s wavelength. This scattering reflects blue wavelengths and results in blue eyes. |
The amount and type of melanin present in the iris determines the base color. Rayleigh scattering of light then results in varying intensities of blue over the base color. Hazel eyes have a medium-low melanin concentration combined with moderate Rayleigh scattering. Next, we’ll look at how these factors produce the range of hazel eye shades.
The Colors of Hazel Eyes
Hazel eyes range from light brown to a green-golden tinge. While they can be difficult to classify, hazel eyes typically display a mix of the following colors:
| Brown | Ranges from light tan to dark brown |
| Amber | Golden yellow or light copper |
| Green | Jade, sage, or forest green shades |
| Gray | Blue-gray or silver-gray mixtures |
The brown, amber, and green hues stem from the melanin content, while gray results from Rayleigh scattering. Oftentimes, hazel eyes feature bursts or streaks of color rather than an overall single shade. The combination of pigments and Rayleigh scattering can vary across the iris, producing multicolored patterns.
Can Hazel Eyes Look Amber?
Yes, hazel eyes can certainly display amber shades. As a lighter golden or coppery hue, amber occurs when the melanin concentration is low to medium. The yellow and green shades also become more prominent with less melanin. As a result, amber is one of the most common colors seen in light to medium hazel eyes.
The amount of amber display can vary depending on factors like lighting conditions. Hazel eyes that appear more gray or light brown in indoor lighting may transform into a vibrant amber in the sunlight. The distribution of melanin in the iris also plays a role. If the outer portion of the iris contains less melanin, it is more likely to appear amber or light green against a darker brown inner ring.
Hazel Eyes with Central Heterochromia
Many hazel eyes exhibit a phenomenon known as central heterochromia, where the outer iris is a different color than the inner zone. Often, the central area around the pupil appears amber or light green against a darker outer portion. This results in a striking sunburst pattern or limbal ring. Central heterochromia is caused by uneven distribution of melanin in the iris.
For example, someone with hazel eyes may have an amber or gold hue around the pupil, surrounded by a dark charcoal or chocolate brown outer iris. The light green and golden shades are more evident with lower melanin levels near the center. This can provide a profound amber glow around the pupil.
True Amber Eyes
While hazel eyes can take on amber hues, genuinely amber eyes are quite rare. True amber eyes only occur in about 1% of the population. They are solidly amber across the entire iris, with no other color mixtures involved. This requires extremely low levels of melanin coupled with dense reflective granules in the iris to produce the uniform golden color.
Sometimes eyes can appear amber in certain lighting but don’t retain the amber color all the time. True amber eyes maintain the golden hue consistently. They are also brighter and more metallic than the typical amber variations seen in hazel eyes. So while hazel eyes can exhibit amber shades, especially central heterochromia variants, complete amber irises are very uncommon.
Other Factors Affecting Eye Color
In addition to melanin content and Rayleigh scattering, some other factors can influence the shade and appearance of hazel eyes:
| Age | Melanin levels may decrease slightly with age, causing hazel eyes to lighten somewhat. |
| Mood | The iris can dilate and constrict depending on mood and emotion, altering the hazel eye color pattern. |
| Environment | Hazel eyes may appear more brown, gray, green, or blue depending on lighting conditions and surroundings. |
| Alcohol | Consuming alcohol can lead to dilated pupils and temporarily lightened hazel eye color. |
These influences work in combination with the melanin content and Rayleigh scattering to produce the final eye color.
Conclusion
Hazel eyes commonly display amber hues, ranging from light golden flecks to a coppery glow around the pupil. While hazel eyes can look amber in certain conditions, genuinely all-amber irises are extremely rare. The melanin concentration in hazel eyes varies across the iris, often resulting in central heterochromia patterns with a lighter inner ring. This can lead to the amber or green shades being most prominent near the middle. So hazel eyes frequently take on amber tones, which reflects the complex blend of melanin and structural colors that make them so unique and captivating.