No, true black eye color is not rare because true black eyes do not actually exist.
While you might occasionally encounter someone whose eyes appear to be a striking, solid black, what you are likely seeing are exceptionally dark brown eyes. According to recent information, "True black eyes don't exist, but exceptionally dark brown eyes can appear almost black under certain lighting conditions."
Understanding Eye Color
Eye color is determined by the amount and type of pigment (melanin) in the iris.
- Brown eyes have a large amount of melanin.
- Blue eyes have less melanin and scatter light.
- Green eyes have moderate melanin.
The color spectrum ranges from light blue/gray to various shades of brown.
The Rarity of Very Dark Eyes
While true black is not a possibility, the reference states that a "very dark brown, which is often mistaken for black," is one of the rarest eye shades.
So, while black eyes themselves are not rare (as they don't exist), the extremely dark brown eyes that look black are indeed among the least common eye colors.
Why Eyes Appear Black
Several factors can make dark brown eyes appear black:
- High Melanin Concentration: The more melanin in the iris, the darker the brown color. Eyes with extremely high melanin appear very dark.
- Lighting Conditions: As the reference notes, lighting plays a crucial role. Dim light or specific angles can make very dark brown eyes look even darker, appearing black.
- Pupil Size: When the pupil is dilated (larger), it can make the surrounding iris area look even darker by contrast.
In summary, while the concept of "black eyes" is often used colloquially, scientifically, they are the rarest form of extremely dark brown eyes.
