Distinguishing between hazel and amber eye colors can be tricky. Both fall in the spectrum between brown and green eyes and contain a mix of melanin pigments. However, there are some key differences that can help you identify whether your eyes are hazel or amber. In this article, we’ll go over the characteristics of each eye color and provide tips for determining your true eye shade. We’ll also look at how eye colors are genetically inherited and some fun facts about hazel and amber eyes. Read on to solve the hazel versus amber eye mystery!
Defining Hazel Eyes
Hazel eyes are multicolored eyes that contain shades of brown, green and gold. They can range from light golden-brown to deep emerald green. The amount of melanin is lower than brown eyes, allowing the greenish hues to show through. A defining feature of hazel eyes is the existence of flecks and ripples of different colors and patterns. Each person’s hazel eye pattern is unique.
Here are some key characteristics of hazel eyes:
– Contain a mix of brown, green and gold
– Light to medium brown base
– Distinct flecks or ripples of green, gold or brown
– Appear to shift in color depending on lighting
– Not one solid eye color
Defining Amber Eyes
Amber eyes, like hazel eyes, also contain a mix of melanin pigments. However, the coloring tends to be more uniform. Here are the main features of amber eyes:
– Solid golden, light brown color
– Less variation in shade than hazel eyes
– Minimal specks or flecks
– Remain golden-brown regardless of lighting
– Often described as honey-colored or whiskey-colored
While hazel eyes appear multicolored, amber eyes are a more solid light golden, brownish-yellow shade. The depth of color may vary slightly, but generally leans towards the lighter end of the brown spectrum.
Comparing Hazel vs Amber Eyes
Here is a table summarizing the key differences between hazel and amber eye colors:
| Characteristic | Hazel Eyes | Amber Eyes |
|---|---|---|
| Color Mix | Brown, green and gold shades | Mostly gold and light brown |
| Color Variation | Multicolored ripples and flecks | Minimal variation |
| Lighting Effect | Appear to shift colors | Remain golden-brown |
| Hue | Light to medium brown | Solid golden or light brown |
| Distinguishing Feature | Unique color patterns | Solid, minimal flecks |
As shown in the table, the main distinguishing feature is that hazel eyes have visible flecks, ripples and shifts between shades, while amber eyes are a more uniform solid golden, light brown color with minimal variation.
How to Tell Your True Eye Color
Here are some tips for determining whether your eyes are hazel or amber:
– Examine your eyes in natural sunlight. Hazel eyes will appear more green, while amber eyes retain a golden-brown hue.
– Use a mirror to look closely for variations. Hazel eyes will have many small flecks and distinct patterns.
– Ask others for their opinion. Hazel eyes are often described as multicolored, while amber eyes look light brown or honey-colored.
– View your ID photo. DMV photos use natural lighting and zoom in closely to capture eye characteristics.
– Take a high quality close-up photo in bright light. Check for flecks, shades and light reflection patterns.
– Pay attention after crying. Hazel eyes tend to look greener after watering due to reduced melanin concentrations.
Genetics of Eye Color Inheritance
The determining factor in eye shade is the amount and type of melanin pigment contained in the iris. Here’s a quick overview of the genetics:
– Melanin amount is controlled by up to 16 different genes.
– The OCA2 and HERC2 genes are primarily responsible for brown/blue eye color.
– Additional genes like SLC24A4, TYR, TYRP1 influence melanin production and type.
– Hazel and amber are caused by a combination of low to moderate melanin concentrations.
– The exact eye color outcome depends on the variants inherited from each parent.
While hazel and amber eyes are generally genetically dominant over pure green or blue eyes, the range of possible shades is vast. Even siblings with the same parents can end up with slightly different eye colors. The randomness of genetic recombination is why hazel and amber eyes are so unique for each individual.
Prevalence of Hazel vs Amber Eyes
Hazel and amber eyes are relatively rare worldwide, although amber eyes are slightly more common. Here is a table of the approximate global prevalence:
| Eye Color | Global Population % |
|---|---|
| Brown | 70-80% |
| Blue | 8-10% |
| Amber | 5-10% |
| Green | 2% |
| Hazel | 5% |
While hazel and amber eyes are globally rare, they may be more common in certain ethnic groups and regions. For example, hazel eyes are estimated to appear in 5-10% of people in the United States and Australia. Distinctive or uncommon eye colors tend to run in families due to associated genetic factors.
Fun Facts About Hazel and Amber Eyes
Beyond determining your eye shade, it’s also fun to learn some interesting trivia about these unique eye colors:
– Hazel eyes get their name from the hazelnut, which has a similar tan-brown shade with green tints.
– Many celebrities are known for having amber eyes, including Katherine Heigl, Avril Lavigne and Vanessa Paradis.
– In folklore and literature, amber eyes were considered mysterious yet alluring, like in the poetry of Edgar Allen Poe.
– The eyes of “Afghan girl” Sharbat Gula, made famous by a 1985 National Geographic cover, are a stunning amber color.
– It’s thought that hazel and amber eyes may have developed to help humans see across a wide range of light conditions.
– Eye color rarity differs around the world – amber and hazel eyes are far more common in countries like Iceland versus China.
– No hazel eyes are exactly alike – the eye color and patterns are as distinct as a fingerprint.
Conclusion
Hazel and amber eye colors occupy a beautiful middle spectrum between standard brown and green eye shades. Both contain a mix of melanin pigments, but hazel eyes have more flecks, variations and appear to shift in hue. Amber eyes retain a solid golden-brown appearance no matter the light. While genetics play a key role, there are tips and tricks like examining your ID photo or looking for color variations that can help determine your true eye color. Hazel and amber eyes are relatively uncommon worldwide, so consider yourself special if you are among the minority blessed with these magical eye shades!
