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Are Gold Eyes Rare?

Published in Eye Color 1 min read

Yes, gold eyes, more accurately described as amber eyes, are considered very rare in humans.

These captivating eyes derive their unique color from a higher concentration of lipochrome (a yellow pigment) coupled with a very low amount of melanin. Unlike brown eyes, which have an abundance of melanin, or green eyes, which have a moderate amount, amber eyes present a distinctive golden hue.

Here's a breakdown:

  • Melanin: The pigment responsible for most eye colors. More melanin equals darker eyes.
  • Lipochrome: A yellow pigment. Higher concentrations, with little melanin, create amber eyes.

Amber eyes are most frequently observed in individuals of Asian and South American descent. While the exact prevalence is difficult to determine due to varying definitions and limited research, their rarity is well-established within the broader spectrum of human eye colors. They are often mistaken for hazel eyes, but true amber eyes lack the green or brown flecks commonly found in hazel eyes.

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