Understanding Eye Colors: Green vs Hazel

When discussing eye colors, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of different types and their characteristics. Green and hazel eyes are often mistaken for each other, but they have distinct features. In this article, we will explore the differences between hazel and green eyes, differentiate between them, and explore some celebrity examples.

What Are Hazel Eyes?

Hazel eyes are often described as a light golden brown color, resembling the color of a hazelnut. This light brown shade contains mixtures of golds, oranges, and dark greens when observed up close in proper lighting. On the eye color scale, hazel eyes fall into the dark-mixed category. This unique combination of colors makes them identifiable and visually appealing.

Celebrity Examples of Hazel Eyes

Justin Bieber Sofia Carson Rochelle Aytes Joe Jonas Hailee Steinfeld

Myths and Misconceptions

There is a common misconception that hazel eyes are green and brown or any multicolored eye that has central heterochromia. Central heterochromia refers to a golden/brown ring around the pupil, while the outer color is blue or green. While it is true that the central ring can be brown, hazel eyes are not technically brown but rather a light brown. The true outer color of the eye is always the determining factor. For example, green eyes with a brown ring around the pupil are still considered green eyes and do not fall into the brown category like hazel eyes do. Green and brown central heterochromia together definitely do not qualify an eye as hazel.

Celebrity Examples of Green Eyes with Central Heterochromia

Rihanna Tyra Banks Terrence Howard Gerardo Celasco Maggie Grace

Amber Eyes: The Lightest Shade of Brown

Amber eyes are considered the lightest possible shade of brown, making them one of the rarest eye colors. These eyes have a solid golden honey color that resembles amber resin. In good lighting, they can appear slightly green. Some people might argue that amber eyes are a form of light hazel, but they are more accurately described as being at the lighter end of the brown spectrum. Amber eyes are considered mixed on the eye color scale, landing in the middle of the eye color spectrum.

Celebrity Examples of Amber Eyes

Nichole Richie Ana De Armas Kevin Connolly Adam Levine (partial recognition, as his eyes are considered to border between green and hazel)

Difference Between Green Eyes and Hazel Eyes

Much like hazel eyes, green eyes can have a golden ring in them. This golden ring is a common characteristic of many green eyes. However, hazel eyes have a higher prevalence of hazel color in them, as opposed to green. There are cases where the eye color falls between green and hazel, such as with celebs named Amanda Bynes and Adam Levine. These eyes can appear as if they are hazel or green, depending on the lighting. True hazel eyes do not have a predominant green color, while true green eyes will have more of a green color deposition.

In conclusion, understanding the nuances of different eye colors can help clarify common misconceptions and provide a more accurate description of one's eye color. Whether you prefer the rich warmth of hazel or the vibrant green, recognizing and appreciating the uniqueness of each eye color is part of the beauty of human diversity.