Amber Eyes: Amber Colour and Comparison to Brown Eyes

Published on March 12th, 2026

Amber eyes are a distinct beauty as their light brown colour pops with a golden or copper tint. Amber eye colour is rare. Only 5% of the population has them, according to optometrist Dr S. Moh. Amber eyes are also found amongst animals such as wolves and cats, making them a truly striking facial feature. Read on for all there is to know about amber eyes and how they are distinguished from brown eyes.

Different Types of Eye Colours

There are several different types of eye colours, including amber, brown, green, hazel, blue, and grey.

What is an Amber Eye Colour?

An amber eye colour is a rare, golden or coppery shade. Its appearance will often resemble a warm, yellow-brown or even golden tint. This golden hue makes it distinct from hazel and brown eyes.

What Causes an Amber Eye Colour?

The cause of an amber eye colour is a higher concentration of the pigment eumelanin. A person typically inherits amber eyes recessively, which means both parents must pass on the same gene variants, according to research scientist Dr. P. Bressan. Amber eyes contain a combination of two types of melanin. Eumelanin is a pigment that appears black-brown, and pheomelanin is a reddish-yellow pigment that gives a yellow tint to the eyes. A higher concentration of pheomelanin contributes to the distinctive golden hue that is characteristic of the amber eye colour.

Are Amber Eye Colours Rare?

Only 5% of the population has amber eyes, making them a rarer eye colour, according to optometrist Dr S. Moh.

What are the Genetic Factors Behind Amber Eyes?

Genetic factors, such as recessive genes, play a key role in determining whether a person has amber eyes. Amber eyes are inherited in a recessive pattern, meaning both parents must pass on the same gene variants for their child to develop this tint, according to research scientist Dr. P. Bressan. However, this does not mean both parents must have amber eyes for it to be passed on. Other eye colours, like blue and green, can contribute to the formation of an amber hue.

How does Amber Eye Colour Differ from Brown Eye Colour?

Amber eyes differ from brown eyes in their colour makeup. Amber eyes have a golden, yellow, or coppery hue due to their lower melanin concentration. By contrast, brown eyes are a richer, darker brown without the warmer hues of amber eyes.

What are the Most Common Characteristics of People with Amber Eyes?

The most common characteristics associated with people who have amber eyes include passion and wisdom. As written by Florance Saul, an author specialising in Spirituality, they also have spiritual connotations. In Native American folklore, warriors and healers are said to be born with amber-coloured irises as a sign of their connection to nature and its healing energies.

How do Amber Eyes Get Their Unique Appearance?

Amber eyes get their unique appearance due to the increased amount of pheomelanin present. Amber eyes contain both eumelanin and pheomelanin, two types of pigment. Eumelanin is a pigment that appears dark black or brown, and pheomelanin contributes a yellowish tint to the eyes, according to dermatologist Dr. D. I. Schlessinger. A high level of pheomelanin will produce the yellowish tint characteristic of amber eyes.

Is Amber Eye Colour More Common in Certain Ethnicities or Regions?

Amber eyes are more common among people in Asia, South America and South Africa.

What are the Differences Between Amber and Hazel Eyes?

The difference between amber and hazel eyes lies in the differing iris colours they present. Amber eyes have a light brown colour, with distinct golden or copper hues. Hazel eyes, on the other hand, have a combination of brown, green and gold hues.

Can Amber Eye Colour Change Over Time?

Amber eye colours can appear to change colour under certain lighting conditions. However, they do not usually completely change colour over time. If they do change colour completely, it could be due to an underlying medical condition. Conditions such as Heterochromic Iridocyclitis can be a more serious factor in eye colour change, as one of the symptoms includes a loss of pigment in the iris. It is important to note that Oscar Wylee offers optometry services only; this article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

What are the Best Makeup Tips for Enhancing Amber Eyes?

The best makeup tips for enhancing amber eyes include using eyeshadows like copper, bronze, gold or earthy browns. Their warm tones will complement the golden hues of amber eyes for a rich, striking appearance. For those who want a pop of colour, green eyeshadow, particularly emeralds or forest greens, creates a striking contrast and focal point. Your choice of eyeshadow will also depend on the outfit you are wearing, as you don’t want it to clash with your ensemble. Cooler-toned eye shadows, such as blues and silvers, should be avoided as they clash with the natural warmth amber eyes provide. Bring depth and intensity to your eyes by using dark mascara on your lashes, such as black or a deep brown.

What Glasses Frame Colours Complement Amber Eye Colour?

Glasses frame colours that complement amber eyes can be those with similarly warm tones, such as tortoiseshell and light browns. Contrastingly, you may want to opt for rich tones such as deep reds or olive greens for a complementary yet more striking focal point on the face. Black is always a classic choice for frame colour, and for amber eyes, it contrasts beautifully with the golden hues of the iris.

A man smiling, wearing tortoiseshell glasses.

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