Green-eyed people are only 2% of the world population, but this is not the only rarity that distinguishes them

by Shirley Marie Bradby

April 19, 2019

Green-eyed people are only 2% of the world population, but this is not the only rarity that distinguishes them
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Scientifically, in 98% of most people, the only true eye color is brown. It is, in fact, melanin that gives the iris its color and defines its nuances.

In the case of black eyes, this pigment finds its maximum concentration, in the brown ones, it reveals a moderate presence, while in blue eyes, melanin is practically absent.

After this premise, it appears clear why green eyes are so special, and why this eye color is present in only 2% of the world's population.

via owlcation.com

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However, their rareness is not the only reason that makes green-eyed people special compared to all the others. Another reason is that their color is the only one on earth that does not depend "only" on the amount of melanin contained in the iris. The perception of the green nuance is given by the combination of the main brown pigment plus another yellow pigment called lipochrome. 

In other words, it could be said that having green eyes is, therefore, a bit like having an "extra gene", as if it were a mutation that is comparable to the concept of "X-Men". Returning to reality, however, the fact is that the aforementioned mix of pigments also has the ability to reflect light in a completely unique way, creating, in turn, other variations from person to person, which is also singular and interesting. 

Despite being so unusual, green eyes can manifest themselves in any race in the world, from Caucasian to Indo-American. In some areas of the planet like Scotland or Ireland, this somatic trait is widespread and present in over 85% of the inhabitants.

Consequently, also in China, there is a village called Liqian, in which about two-thirds of the natives have both blond hair and green eyes, obviously almond-shaped. This seems due to their descent from the Roman general Marco Licinio Crasso and his Roman legions.

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At least for the moment, there are no real statistical data to associate the green color of the eyes with particular personality traits, however, there are some experimental observations.

In particular, it seems that people who have this shade of irises are distinctly creative, have a mysterious and elusive nature, and are also relatively jealous. It is no coincidence that Shakespeare wrote in Otello, "Oh, beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock. The meat it feeds on."

In conclusion, green eyes are also the last physical trait to be revealed in children, as green eyes can appear in children anytime between six months to three years of age.

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