Meet the Author

I am often asked where I get my ideas for my novels. Honestly, I get most of them from my observations of the world around me. There are times I need to delve deeper into subjects to pull in accurate historical, human nature, and/or medical information. Often, a days research may be only one line, if used at all.

Below is an article I recently came across. It surprisingly compiles research I did years ago to begin my Benchmark Legacy Series. It presents hazel eyes and their almost magical allure. If you have read my books, this article will be an aha moment for you. If you have not read the series, it will provide a little scientific background that the Relic Realm is not as unbelievable as you might think!

Thanks for joining me the Relic Realm journey.

EDD

Article from Parade Life

How Rare Are Hazel Eyes, Exactly? The percentage of the population with hazel eyes may surprise you.

Article By: KELSEY KRYGER

Superstitions Beliefs and Opinions on Hazel Eyes

If you've ever looked into someone's hazel eyes, you know firsthand just how beautiful they are. With a captivating blend of green and brown with splashes of amber or gold, it's hard not to get lost in someone's hazel eyes. Heck, even Kelly Clarkson made a song about hazel eyes. But, how rare are hazel eyes?

Eye color is primarily determined by the amount and distribution of melanin within the front part of the iris—the colored part of the eye. This pigment's concentration and arrangement is what dictates the hue of a person's eyes. Hazel-colored eyes emerge with a combination of pigments in the iris.

You may have heard people with hazel eyes stating that their eyes change colors, and there is some truth to this phenomenon—hazel eyes can actually appear to change color depending on lighting conditions, clothing colors and even one's mood. This chameleon-like quality only adds to their mesmerizing allure.

What pigment combination causes hazel eyes, and really, how rare are hazel eyes? Parade is answering these questions and more.

What Causes Hazel Eyes?

Eye color is determined by the amount and distribution of melanin in the iris of the eye, in addition to the genes we inherit from our parents. With most eye colors, the amount of melanin is consistent across the entire iris—the more melanin, the darker the eye will appear.

With hazel eyes, however, varying amounts of melanin exist in different parts of the iris. This is what causes hazel eyes and their many hues.

Hazel eyes tend to change colors due to Rayleigh scattering—the same factor that makes the sky appear blue. This optical effect occurs in the stroma, which is a thin layer of tissue in front of the iris. When light enters the iris and interacts with the stroma, shorter wavelengths (blue and green light) scatter more than longer wavelengths (red and brown light).

This scattering effect combines with the underlying brown melanin to create the array of colors seen in hazel eyes.

What Makes Hazel Eyes Unique?

The most unique part about hazel eyes is the blend of colors. Typically, we're used to seeing blue or brown eyes—eyes that are all one color. Hazel eyes spice it up with their mix of hues and flecks of colors. The moderate melanin content in hazel eyes allows for some scattering of light within the iris, resulting in its beautiful color spectrum.

Hazel eyes also vary in their color combinations. They tend to have a dominant color of either green or brown, with flecks of brown, gold and even grey. No two hazel eyes are alike!

How many people can say their eyes change colors? In reality, hazel eyes don't actually change colors—it's due to the phenomenon of Rayleigh scattering. But, this exact phenomenon is what makes hazel eyes appear to change colors depending on one's environment.

How Rare Are Hazel Eyes?

According to the World Atlas, only about five percent of the world's population have hazel eyes—just behind the rarest eye color, which is green. The rarity of hazel eyes can be attributed to the intricate genetic factors involved in their development, which includes the combination of melanin and Rayleigh scattering.

Hazel eyes mostly occur in individuals whose ancestry is from North Africa, the Middle East, Brazil and Spain—although, anyone can have this genetic mutation.

Superstitions

Those with hazel eyes are believed to have a special connection to spiritual realms. Their alluring eyes have long been thought to show insight into future events and represent a person's ability to see and perceive beyond what is "real."

Another common superstition about hazel eyes is that they can ward off evil spirits. That's right, hazel eyes are said to be able to see both the physical and spiritual world, which is why some people believe they can help protect against harmful spirits and negative energy.

Beliefs and Opinions on Hazel Eyes

Hazel eyes are seen as mysteriously captivating—drawing others in with their intriguing aura. Hazel-colored eyes have long been linked to adaptability and flexibility in life, reflecting their ability to shift between brown and green tones. This adaptability is considered an asset, allowing hazel-eyed individuals to navigate change and uncertainty with grace and ease.

Folks with hazel eyes are also thought to possess a deep sensitivity and emotional depth, with their eyes mirroring their profound emotional experiences. Although hazel eyes appear mysterious, with their ever-changing colors, they are also thought to be an omen of good luck. Individuals with hazel eyes see the world in a different light and they can bring good fortune to those that have them.