Green eyes have intrigued people across cultures for generations, often linked to mystery, creativity, and distinctive beauty. Because only about 2% of the global population naturally has green eyes, the color stands out immediately and tends to leave a strong impression. This rarity plays a major role in why green eyes are often viewed as captivating or unusual.
Scientifically, green eyes are not produced by green pigment. Instead, they result from a mix of low melanin in the iris and a yellowish pigment called lipochrome. When light scatters across these pigments—a process known as the Tyndall effect—it creates a green tone. This means the color depends heavily on lighting conditions, giving green eyes a shifting, almost chameleon-like quality that can appear brighter or darker at different times.